Heart Failure Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is heart failure
A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands
What are the two types of heart failure
Left sided and Right sided
What is the main side effect of heart failure
Global hypoperfusion (Reduced blood flow throughout the body)
Why is the left ventricle important in circulation
It pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients
What happens when the left ventricle is damaged
It can no longer pump blood effectively, causing it to accumulate in the left atrium
What happens if blood backs up in the left atrium
Pressure will increase in the pulmonary veins and capillaries
What does increased pressure in the pulmonary veins cause
Fluid will leak into the lungs, leading to a pulmonary oedema
What symptoms result from a pulmonary oedema
Shortness of breath, hypoxia, crackling in lungs, dyspnea
What are the signs and symptoms of LSHF
Dizziness, fatigue, Tachycardia (compensatory mechanism, Pleural effusion
What causes Right sided heart failure
Damage to the right ventricle of the heart
What happens when the right ventricle is damaged
The heart loses its ability to pump blood into the pulmonary circulation causing backflow in the systemic veins
What happens when blood backs up in the systemic veins
Intravascular fluid will increase, causing fluid overload
Why is fluid overload so dangerous in RSHF
Fluid can cause congestion on the liver, GI tract, kidneys as well as peripheral oedema
What are the symptoms of RSHF
Pitting oedema, Pleural effusion, Fatigue, Jaundice, difficulty breathing
What is the difference between LSHF and RSHF
LSHF is indicated by a pulmonary oedema, while RSHF is indicated by a peripheral oedema
Why should oxygen be monitored in HF patients
Global hypoperfusion causes poor O2 delivery, therefore O2 saturations may fall and patients may experience breathlessness
What is the intervention for low O2
High fowlers position can be used to help assist with breathing for heart failure patients
What should be monitored in HF patients
- O2 Saturations
- Fluid intake/outake
- Daily weights to measure any increase/decrease
Why are ACE inhibitors used in HF patients
ACE inhibitors dilate blood vessels making it easier for blood to flow easily
Why are beta blockers used
To slow down the heart and lower blood pressure
Why are diuretics used
Increases urine production and gets rid of excess fluids
Why are anticoagulants used
To prevent clot formation and to increase blood flow
Why are anti-arrhthmia medications used
To treat abnormal heart rhythms
