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Flashcards in Heart Failure Deck (15)
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1
Q

Why can crackling be heard with pulmonary oedema?

A

Because the fluid causes the alveoli to open and slam shut

2
Q

What are ‘water tablets’?

A

Water tablets is another name for diuretics, which cause more salt and water to leave the body in order to lower blood pressure

3
Q

What is cardiomegaly?

A

Enlarged hypertrophic heart

4
Q

Why does a blood test need to be done before diuretics are given to a patient?

A

Diuretics cause more potassium to be excreted, so you need to check that the potassium levels won’t be put at dangerously low levels

5
Q

What type of drug is Ramipril?

A

ACE inhibitor

6
Q

Why are patients advised to take their first dose of Ramipril before bed?

A

Ramipril lowers BP, which can sometimes make people feel dizzy (first dose hypotension)

7
Q

Aside from first dose dizziness, what can be another common side-effect of Ramipril?

A

Dry, irritating cough

8
Q

Why shouldn’t you drink alcohol when taking Ramipril?

A

Alcohol can increase blood pressure so reduce the antihypertensive effect of Ramipril

9
Q

What is the maximum dose of Ramipril?

A

10mg per day

10
Q

What is bisoprolol?

A

Beta-blocker used to reduce BP (antihypertensive)

11
Q

What kind of drug is Ibuprofen?

A

NSAID

12
Q

Why should patients with heart failure not take NSAIDs?

A

NSAIDs cause fluid-retention, which may exacerbate heart failure

13
Q

What is cardiorenal syndrome? How do you avoid this?

A

. Excess diuretics causes eGFR to fall, which leads to resistance to diuretics
. Monitor the eGFR to avoid this

14
Q

How do you test for heart failure? (gold-standard test and other options)

A

ECG is gold-standard test, BNP (released when ventrical walls stretched), chest x-ray to look for cardiomegaly and pulmonary oedema

15
Q

Describe the first line treatment for heart failure.

A

(ABCD)
ACE inhibitor
Beta-blocker
Consider Diuretic (if there’s not fluid in legs or lungs otherwise will worsen situation)