Heart failure

Question 1

Effects of Aldosterone on the body

Answer 1

Kidneys retain salt and water, increasing blood volume and pressure. K+ excreted through urine

Question 2

Effects of angiotensin on the body

Answer 2

Signals adrenal gland to release Aldosterone and pituitary to stimulate release of Vasopressin.
Causes walls of arterioles to constrict, increasing BP.

Question 3

Symptoms of HF

Answer 3

SOB (Orthopoena, paroxymal nocturnal dyspnoea)
Oedema
Fatigue
Lightheaded and fainting

Question 4

Causes of HF

Answer 4

F- Fatty heart valves
A- arrythmias
I- Infarction (myocardial)
L- lineage (congenital)
U- uncontrolled hypertension
R- recreational drug use
E- Evaders (infections that attack heart muscle)

Question 5

What value of NT-proBNP requires a 2 week referral for HF diagnosis?

Answer 5

> 2000ng/L

Question 6

What value of NT-proBNP requires a 6 week referral for HF diagnosis?

Answer 6

400-2000ng/L

Question 7

What tests should be carried out to diagnose HF?

Answer 7

Transthoracic electrocardiogram (TTE)
ECG
NT Pro-BNP levels
Consider FBC, urineanalysis, spirometry, x-ray

Question 8

What LVEF percentage classifies HF as HF with a preserved ejection fraction?

Answer 8

> 50%

Question 9

What LVEF percentage classifies HF as HF with a mildly reduced ejection fraction?

Answer 9

41-49%

Question 10

What LVEF percentage classifies HF as HF with a reduced ejection fraction?

Answer 10

<40%

Question 11

If recovery of LVEF occurs, should treatment for HFrEF be withdrawn?

Answer 11

No