Heart Failure Treatment Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the primary dietary restriction for controlling excess fluid retention?
Sodium restriction, i.e., no salty foods
Sodium restriction helps prevent further fluid retention by minimizing the intake of salt.
What is a recommended method for managing fluid intake in cases of dilutional hyponatremia?
Restrict fluid intake
Limiting fluid consumption can help mitigate the effects of dilutional hyponatremia.
Which class of diuretics is considered the most potent?
Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
Loop diuretics are often used due to their effectiveness in promoting diuresis.
What should be done if there is resistance to diuretics?
IV administration or combine 2 diuretics (e.g., furosemide + metolazone or a thiazide)
Combining diuretics can enhance diuretic efficacy in resistant cases.
Fill in the blank: The most potent loop diuretic is _______.
furosemide
Furosemide is widely used in clinical practice for its strong diuretic properties.
What does ACEi stand for?
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors
Name two examples of ACE inhibitors used in CHF.
- Captopril
- Ramipril
What is the standard initial therapy for CHF?
ACE inhibitors
List three contraindications for using ACE inhibitors.
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal insufficiency
- Pregnancy
What should be used if a patient is contraindicated or intolerant to ACE inhibitors?
ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)
Name two examples of ARBs.
- Candesartan
- Lorsartan
True or False: ACE inhibitors can be used in patients with hyperkalemia.
False
Fill in the blank: If a patient experiences _______ or angioedema, they may be intolerant to ACE inhibitors.
cough
What are examples of beta blockers?
Carvedilol, Metoprolol
Beta blockers are used to manage various cardiovascular conditions.
What is the recommended initial dosing strategy for beta blockers?
Begin with a low dose and increase gradually
This approach helps to minimize side effects and allows for patient tolerance.
Beta blockers are especially helpful in patients with an EF of less than ____.
40%
EF stands for ejection fraction, a measure of the heart’s efficiency.
What are common contraindications for beta blockers?
- Bronchospasm
- Symptomatic bradycardia
- Advanced heart block
These conditions can be exacerbated by beta blocker use.
Which medications are often combined with beta blockers for treatment?
- ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics
This combination is often used in managing heart failure and hypertension.
What is an aldosterone antagonist?
A medication that blocks the effects of aldosterone, such as Spironolactone and Eplerenone.
When are aldosterone antagonists added to standard therapy?
In patients with advanced heart failure (class II-IV symptoms, EF<35%).
What are examples of aldosterone antagonists?
- Spironolactone
- Eplerenone
True or False: Aldosterone antagonists are used for mild heart failure.
False
Fill in the blank: Aldosterone antagonists are indicated for patients with advanced HF and an EF of less than _______.
35%
What is Digoxin used for in heart failure treatment?
Added to standard therapy in patients with persistent symptoms of systolic heart failure, especially if atrial fibrillation is present
Digoxin can help improve symptoms and heart function in specific patient populations.
