heart failure

Question 1

heart failure

Answer 1

the state in which the heart is unable to pump blood at a rate commensurate with the requirements of the tissues or can do so only at high pressures

Question 2

diagnostic evaluation of new onset heart failure

Answer 2

determine the type of cardiac dysfunction
determine aetiology and treat causes
define prognosis
guide therapy

Question 3

aetiology of heart failure

Answer 3

coronary heart disease +/- MI
hypertension 
diabetes
dilated cardiomyopathy 
valve disease 
tachycardic arrhythmias 
heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Question 4

symptoms of heart failure

Answer 4

SOB
orthopnoea
paroxysmal nocturnal tolerance 
reduced exercise tolerance 
fatigue 
tiredness 
ankle swelling

Question 5

NYHA functional class

Answer 5

1 - no limitations
2 - slight limitations of physical activity
3 - marked limitations of physical activity
4 - unable to carry on any physical activity without symptoms of HF or symptoms of HF at rest

Question 6

volume overload

Answer 6

elevated JVP
rales or crackle in lungs 
3/4 heart sound 
murmur
oedema in sacrum, feet, ankles, lower legs

Question 7

investigations

Answer 7

ECG
CXR
echo

Question 8

lifestyle treatment

Answer 8

exercise
water and salt restriction
up to date vaccinations
manage mental health

Question 9

pharmacological treatment

Answer 9

ACE inhibitor, #arb
beta blocker 
aldosterone antagonist
vasodilators 
sinus node blocker 
digoxin 
frusemide