Heart Failure: Treatments

Question 1

What is heart failure?

Answer 1

Chronic failure of the heart to provide sufficient output to meet the body’s requirements

Question 2

What are the features of heart failure?

Answer 2

1. Reduced force of contraction or reduced filling
2. Reduced cardiac output
3. Reduced tissue perfusion (leads to worsened effects)
4. Oedema

Question 3

What are the drugs used in the treatment of heart failure?

Answer 3

1. Drugs which reduce work load of the heart
   (Reduce afterload and preloads)
2. Positive inotropes to increase cardiac output (not routinely used): cardiac glycosides/b=adrenergic agonists (dobutamine)

Question 4

Name a drug that can reduce the workload of the heart

Answer 4

ACE-inhibitors

Ang II receptor blocker