Hf Flashcards
What is heart failure?
A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s metabolic needs.
What are the two main types of heart failure?
Systolic (pump failure) and diastolic (filling failure).
What is systolic heart failure?
The heart cannot contract effectively, leading to reduced ejection fraction.
What is diastolic heart failure?
The heart cannot relax properly, leading to impaired filling.
What is congestive heart failure (CHF)?
Heart failure accompanied by fluid buildup in the lungs, abdomen, or limbs.
What are the symptoms of left ventricular failure (LVF)?
Dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and cough.
What are the symptoms of right ventricular failure (RVF)?
Jugular venous distension, hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema.
What is orthopnea?
Difficulty breathing while lying flat, relieved by sitting up.
What is paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
Sudden episodes of breathlessness at night, often waking the patient.
What is jugular venous distension (JVD)?
Visible bulging of the neck veins due to increased venous pressure.
What is the pathophysiology of heart failure?
The heart cannot pump enough blood, leading to fluid buildup and organ dysfunction.
What is the role of preload in heart failure?
Increased preload (volume overload) worsens heart failure by stretching the heart muscle.
What is the role of afterload in heart failure?
Increased afterload (pressure overload) makes it harder for the heart to pump blood.
What is the significance of the ejection fraction (EF) in heart failure?
It measures the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
What is the role of natriuretic peptides in heart failure?
They are released in response to increased heart pressure and help regulate fluid balance.
What is the significance of the NYHA classification in heart failure?
It grades the severity of heart failure based on symptoms and functional limitations.
What is the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in heart failure?
It regulates blood pressure and fluid balance but can worsen heart failure if overactive.
What is the significance of pulmonary edema in heart failure?
It is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing severe dyspnea.
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in heart failure?
It increases heart rate and contractility but can worsen heart failure over time.
What is the significance of cardiogenic shock in heart failure?
It is a severe form of heart failure where the heart cannot pump enough blood to vital organs.
What is the role of the Frank-Starling mechanism in heart failure?
It describes how the heart increases its output in response to increased filling pressure.
What is the significance of the BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) in heart failure?
It is a biomarker used to diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure.
What is the role of myocardial remodeling in heart failure?
It refers to structural changes in the heart that worsen its function over time.
What is the significance of the ‘cardiac asthma’ in heart failure?
It refers to wheezing and dyspnea caused by pulmonary congestion.