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What is the most common cause of right heart failure?
What is the most common cause of right heart failure?
Increased right atrial pressure does not affect venous pressure.
Increased right atrial pressure does not affect venous pressure.
False
Name one sign or symptom of right heart failure.
Name one sign or symptom of right heart failure.
Hepatomegaly
The site of palpation for the abdominojugular reflex is the __________ area.
The site of palpation for the abdominojugular reflex is the __________ area.
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Match the following conditions with their respective criteria:
Match the following conditions with their respective criteria:
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What is the primary action of Aldosterone in the RAAS system?
What is the primary action of Aldosterone in the RAAS system?
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Natriuretic peptides inhibit the RAAS and promote water retention.
Natriuretic peptides inhibit the RAAS and promote water retention.
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What is the most preferred beta blocker commonly used for heart failure?
What is the most preferred beta blocker commonly used for heart failure?
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The interaction of ADH leads to increased ______ retention, which can result in hyponatremia.
The interaction of ADH leads to increased ______ retention, which can result in hyponatremia.
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Match the medication with their respective classes:
Match the medication with their respective classes:
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What is a symptom of advanced heart failure indicated by bending for 30 seconds?
What is a symptom of advanced heart failure indicated by bending for 30 seconds?
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In heart failure, pulmonary interstitial alveolar edema is characterized by warm peripheries.
In heart failure, pulmonary interstitial alveolar edema is characterized by warm peripheries.
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What condition is characterized by increased left atrial pressure and prones to atrial fibrillation?
What condition is characterized by increased left atrial pressure and prones to atrial fibrillation?
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The symptom characterized by breathlessness when lying down on one side is called ________.
The symptom characterized by breathlessness when lying down on one side is called ________.
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Match the following clinical features with their associated conditions:
Match the following clinical features with their associated conditions:
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Which risk factor is most important for acute decompensated heart failure?
Which risk factor is most important for acute decompensated heart failure?
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Women are more commonly affected by HFNEF than men.
Women are more commonly affected by HFNEF than men.
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Name one comorbidity commonly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFNEF).
Name one comorbidity commonly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFNEF).
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Anemia can lead to heart failure decompensation through a sequence of events involving _________.
Anemia can lead to heart failure decompensation through a sequence of events involving _________.
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Match the following compensatory mechanisms with their effects in heart failure:
Match the following compensatory mechanisms with their effects in heart failure:
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Which medication is used as an inotropic support for HFrEF?
Which medication is used as an inotropic support for HFrEF?
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IV diuretics are not part of the management for acute decompensated heart failure.
IV diuretics are not part of the management for acute decompensated heart failure.
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What is the purpose of administering morphine in acute decompensated heart failure?
What is the purpose of administering morphine in acute decompensated heart failure?
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In cardiogenic shock, a narrow pulse pressure is defined as SBP < __________ mm of Hg.
In cardiogenic shock, a narrow pulse pressure is defined as SBP < __________ mm of Hg.
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Match the following management strategies with the condition they are used for:
Match the following management strategies with the condition they are used for:
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What is the main purpose of using ARNI in heart failure management?
What is the main purpose of using ARNI in heart failure management?
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ARNI should be administered first in patients who are not euvolemic.
ARNI should be administered first in patients who are not euvolemic.
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Name one component of the Fantastic 4 in heart failure management.
Name one component of the Fantastic 4 in heart failure management.
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In treating refractory heart failure, if the patient has a wide QRS, the preferred treatment is __________ therapy.
In treating refractory heart failure, if the patient has a wide QRS, the preferred treatment is __________ therapy.
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Match the following medications to their classifications or usages in heart failure treatment:
Match the following medications to their classifications or usages in heart failure treatment:
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What is the primary diagnostic value of BNP and NT ProBNP in patients with renal failure?
What is the primary diagnostic value of BNP and NT ProBNP in patients with renal failure?
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Early vasodilator therapy in Acute Aortic Regurgitation (AR) is primarily associated with the use of Nitroglycerin (NTG).
Early vasodilator therapy in Acute Aortic Regurgitation (AR) is primarily associated with the use of Nitroglycerin (NTG).
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What is the effect of Nitroprusside in the management of Acute Aortic Regurgitation?
What is the effect of Nitroprusside in the management of Acute Aortic Regurgitation?
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In patients with a probability of heart failure, BNP levels are greater than ______ pg/mL.
In patients with a probability of heart failure, BNP levels are greater than ______ pg/mL.
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Match the terms with their descriptions:
Match the terms with their descriptions:
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What percentage of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) cases are caused by prior heart failure?
What percentage of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) cases are caused by prior heart failure?
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Cardiogenic shock is one of the classifications of acute decompensated heart failure.
Cardiogenic shock is one of the classifications of acute decompensated heart failure.
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Name two risk factors associated with acute decompensated heart failure.
Name two risk factors associated with acute decompensated heart failure.
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The most common presentation of mild to moderate ADHF is __________.
The most common presentation of mild to moderate ADHF is __________.
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Match the following clinical features with their associated descriptions:
Match the following clinical features with their associated descriptions:
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What is the starting dose for Torsemide, the most commonly used oral diuretic in acute decompensated heart failure?
What is the starting dose for Torsemide, the most commonly used oral diuretic in acute decompensated heart failure?
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Hypertensive acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is more common in males than females.
Hypertensive acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is more common in males than females.
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What is a common symptom of acute pulmonary edema?
What is a common symptom of acute pulmonary edema?
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In hypertensive acute decompensated heart failure, patients usually exhibit symptoms of __________ failure.
In hypertensive acute decompensated heart failure, patients usually exhibit symptoms of __________ failure.
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Match the following clinical features of acute pulmonary edema with their descriptions:
Match the following clinical features of acute pulmonary edema with their descriptions:
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Which of the following conditions is associated with acute pulmonary edema?
Which of the following conditions is associated with acute pulmonary edema?
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The cephalisation of pulmonary vessels is the earliest finding in acute pulmonary edema.
The cephalisation of pulmonary vessels is the earliest finding in acute pulmonary edema.
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What investigative technique is not typically done in an emergency setting for cardiac conditions?
What investigative technique is not typically done in an emergency setting for cardiac conditions?
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The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is elevated in a warm and _______ acute pulmonary edema scenario.
The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) is elevated in a warm and _______ acute pulmonary edema scenario.
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Which type of Kerley lines is associated with fluid in the interlobular septa?
Which type of Kerley lines is associated with fluid in the interlobular septa?
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Match the following medications with their respective usage:
Match the following medications with their respective usage:
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Acute Mitral Regurgitation can lead to acute pulmonary edema.
Acute Mitral Regurgitation can lead to acute pulmonary edema.
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Name a common symptom associated with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.
Name a common symptom associated with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.
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The LAP (Left Atrial Pressure) that indicates acute pulmonary edema is greater than ______ mm of Hg.
The LAP (Left Atrial Pressure) that indicates acute pulmonary edema is greater than ______ mm of Hg.
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Which of the following investigations would show a bat wing appearance?
Which of the following investigations would show a bat wing appearance?
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Study Notes
RAAS System
- Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction, increasing afterload and aldosterone release.
- Aldosterone promotes salt and water retention, increasing preload.
ADH
- ADH leads to free water retention, potentially causing hyponatremia.
Natriuretic Peptides
- Natriuretic peptides inhibit the RAAS and sympathetic nervous system, leading to the excretion of salt and water.
Compensatory Mechanisms in Heart Failure
- Sustained activation of compensatory mechanisms (RAAS, sympathetic nervous system, and natriuretic peptides) can lead to secondary end-organ damage within the ventricle, worsening left ventricular remodeling and subsequently causing cardiac decompensation.
Treatment of Heart Failure
- Recombinant natriuretic peptides, like Nesiritide, are no longer used.
- Medications blocking the sympathetic pathway, RAAS, and degradation of natriuretic peptides are used for treatment.
Pharmacotherapy
Beta Blockers
- Beta blockers block the sympathetic nervous system.
- Common examples include metoprolol, bisoprolol (preferred starting dose of 1.25 mg), and carvedilol (preferred starting dose of 3.125 mg twice daily).
ACE Inhibitors/ARB
- Any drug from these groups is effective.
- Common examples include Ramipril and Perindopril.
- ACE inhibitors increase bradykinin levels compared to ARBs.
Right Heart Failure
- Most often caused by left heart failure.
- Increased Right Ventricular End Diastolic Pressure (RVEDP) is the primary cause.
- Increased right atrial pressure leads to elevated venous pressure.
-
Signs and symptoms:
- Abdominojugular reflex
- Ascites
- Edema
- Hepatomegaly
- Increased jugular venous pressure
- The abdominojugular reflex is elicited by palpating the periumbilical area.
Causes of Right Heart Failure
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (most often genetic)
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy (post-MI/CAD)
- Valvular heart disease (severe aortic regurgitation, very severe aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation)
- Congenital heart disease
Framingham Diagnostic Criteria for Right Heart Failure
- Major criteria: Acute pulmonary edema, cardiomegaly, abdominojugular reflex, increased jugular venous pressure, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea/orthopnea, crackles/rales, S3 (Gallop)
- Minor criteria: Ankle edema, dyspnea on exertion, hepatomegaly, nocturnal cough, pleural effusion, tachycardia (>120 bpm)
HFpEF/HFNEF
Pathophysiology
-
Comorbidity-driven microvascular inflammation
- Leads to left ventricular dysfunction
- Longitudinal fibers (untwisting motion) are affected
- Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
- Compensatory left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) decreases cavity size
- Increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP)
- Increased left atrial pressure (LAP)
- Left atrial stretching and dilation
- Increased atrial contribution to cardiac output (> 40%) - Increased risk of atrial fibrillation
- Left atrial stretching and dilation
- Increased left atrial pressure (LAP)
- Increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)
- Pulmonary interstitial alveolar edema (crepitations)
- Dyspnea
- Pulmonary interstitial alveolar edema (crepitations)
- Leads to left ventricular dysfunction
-
Results in pulmonary edema with bilateral pleural effusion
Related Terminology
- Bendopnea: A sign of advanced heart failure where bending for 30 seconds increases venous return and causes symptoms.
- Trepopnea: Breathlessness on lying down on one side.
- Platypnea: Breathlessness when sitting upright.
Definition of HFNEF (European Society of Cardiology)
- Symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Normal or mildly abnormal left ventricular systolic function.
- Abnormal left ventricular relaxation.
Presentation of HFNEF
- More common in older age groups.
- More common in women.
- Common comorbidities include hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
- Atrial fibrillation is more common in HFNEF than in HFrEF.
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)
Risk Factors
- Patient-related factors: Non-compliance with treatment, anemia, infective endocarditis, renal failure, pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension, myocardial ischemia, drug-related decompensation (NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers)
- Infections: Lower respiratory tract infections
- Anemia: Especially in patients with CAD on aspirin due to potential GI bleeding
-
Drug-related decompensation:
- NSAIDs: Naproxen is the safest for patients with heart failure
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Verapamil and Diltiazem can depress left ventricular function
- Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation is the most important to consider
Pathogenesis of HFrEF
- Index event (such as dilated cardiomyopathy or ischemia) leads to HFrEF.
- This triggers compensatory mechanisms.
- These mechanisms result in cardiac remodeling in an attempt to maintain cardiac output.
Compensatory Mechanisms in HFrEF
- Sympathetic Activity: Increased sympathetic activity leads to increased contractility, increased heart rate, and increased risk of arrhythmias.
Treatment of Heart Failure
3. ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker + Neprilysin Inhibitor)
- Valsartan (ARB) + Sacubitril (NI)
- Prevents degradation of Angiotensin II
- Degrades natriuretic peptides
Primary Management
- For all patients with HF: ARNI + β blocker
Notes
- Natriuretic peptides: ANP, BNP, substance P, adrenomedulline, bradykinin
- ARNI > β blocker > ACE inhibitor > ARB (in terms of efficacy)
- If the patient is not euvolemic:
- Diuretics should be started first (to relieve congestion)
- β blocker should be started only after congestion is addressed (otherwise it may lead to pulmonary edema).
- Heart failure with renal failure: Hydralazine + Nitrate
- "Fantastic 4" drugs with mortality benefits:
- ARNI
- β blocker
- Aldosterone antagonist: Finerenone (non-steroidal)
- SGLT2 inhibitors: Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin
Refractory Heart Failure
- Maximum tolerated dose of β blocker + "Fantastic 4" drugs
- If HR > 70/min: Ivabradine (funny current inhibitor)
- Side effects: Visual disturbances
- If the patient remains symptomatic despite treatment:
- Refractory heart failure
Treatment of Refractory Heart Failure
- With wide QRS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy --> Cardiac transplant
- With normal QRS: Left ventricular assisted devices or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)
Management
- IV Diuretics (IV Bolus): 360 mg of Furosemide
- Semi-recumbent position (45°)
- High-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask/non-invasive ventilation (NIV)
- Morphine: 4 mg IV (for extravascular fluid shift)
- Blood pressure control: Nitroglycerine at 5 µg/min
Cardiogenic Shock
Features
- Narrow pulse pressure (Systolic BP < 90 mm Hg)
- Fatigue
- Altered mentation
- Cyanosis
- Cold extremities
- Note: Poor prognosis
Management
Investigations
- Lactic acid levels: To rule out occult shock
- Rule out acute coronary syndrome, do an early echocardiogram to rule out acute aortic regurgitation and acute mitral regurgitation.
Treatment
HFrEF
- Inotropic support/inodilator:
- Inotrope: Dobutamine (most common)
- Inodilator: Milrinone (most common)
- Intra-aortic balloon pump/ECMO support
HFPEF
- Vasopressors: Vasopressin/Desmopressin
- Note:*
- Patients with pulmonary edema and maintained BP who are not recovering may require dialysis or slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) via central or femoral catheter.
- BNP and NT-proBNP:
-
900 pg/mL in patients with probability of heart failure
- Lower in obese patients (as it is metabolized by adipocytes)
- Diagnostic value is reduced in renal failure
- Early vasodilator therapy in acute aortic regurgitation/mitral regurgitation:
- Nitroprusside > NTG (Nitroglycerine)
- Decreases aortic pressure
- Decreases transvalvular gradient in AR/MR
Differential Diagnosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Acute Aortic Regurgitation/Mitral Regurgitation:
- Acute Aortic Regurgitation (due to aortic dissection, ruptured sinus of Valsalva, infective endocarditis)
- Acute Mitral Regurgitation
- Myocarditis
- Bilateral Renal Artery Stenosis -> Splash pulmonary edema
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Investigations
Chest X-ray
- Not done in an emergency
- Bat wing appearance: Indicates cardiopulmonary edema
- Cephalization of pulmonary vessels: Earliest finding associated with Kerley A/B/C lines
Kerley Lines on Chest X-ray
LAP | Description | |
---|---|---|
Kerley A lines | 12-19 mm of Hg | Dilated anastomotic channels between peripheral and central lymphatics |
Kerley B lines | 20-24 mm of Hg | Fluid in the interlobular septa. Short, sharp lines horizontal and perpendicular to the pleura and parallel to the lung base. |
Kerley C lines | 20-24 mm of Hg | Reticular opacities. En face Kerley B lines |
LAP > 25 mm of Hg: Acute Pulmonary Edema |
Acute Pulmonary Edema
Stable | No | Yes |
---|---|---|
No | Warm & Dry. Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) normal. Cardiac Index (CI) normal | Warm & Wet. PCWP elevated. CI normal |
Low Perfusion at Rest | (compensated) | CI normal |
Yes | Cold & Dry. PCWP low/normal. CI decreased | Cold & Wet. PCWP elevated. CI decreased |
Hypovolemia | Natriuretic peptides, Nesiritide, Vasodilators, Nitroprusside, Nitroglycerine |
Pulmonary Edema + Cardiogenic Shock
- Inotropic drugs: Dobutamine, Milrinone, Calcium sensitizers
Congestion at rest
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)
Risk Factors & Classification
- ADHF
- 80%: Prior heart failure (HFrEF/HFPEF; NYHA 1/2)
- 20%: De-novo heart failure
Risk Factors
- Patient-related factors
- Infections (LRTI, IE)
- Anemia
- Drugs (NSAIDs)
- MI
- Atrial fibrillation
- Uncontrolled HTN
- Pregnancy
Classification of ADHF
- Mild to moderate ADHF
- Hypertensive ADHF
- ADHF with acute pulmonary edema
- Cardiogenic shock
Mild to Moderate ADHF
- Most common (70% of ADHF)
- Presents with underlying HFrEF
- Often precipitated by lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).
Clinical Features:
- Progressive dyspnea
- Right-sided congestive symptoms
- Tender, enlarged liver
- Edema
- No evidence of pulmonary edema/cardiogenic shock
- Physical exam findings:
- S3 heart sound
- Cardiomegaly
- Mitral regurgitation (possible due to annular dilatation)
Management
- Oral diuretics: Torsemide (most common), starting dose 5-10 mg
Hypertensive ADHF
- Most common in females
- Presents with underlying HFPEF
Clinical Features:
- Progressive dyspnea
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- No evidence of pulmonary edema/cardiogenic shock
- Presence of diastolic failure symptoms
Management
- IV diuretics
- Oral antihypertensives
ADHF with Acute Pulmonary Edema
Clinical Features
- Symptoms:
- Acute onset of breathlessness, worsening over 60-90 minutes
- Patient is sitting up, unable to lie down
- Gasping (air hunger)
- Diaphoresis
- Signs:
- Tachypnea (>130 bpm)
- Hypertensive crisis
- Crackles over all lung fields
- Frothy sputum, +/- hemoptysis
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Description
This quiz focuses on the roles of the RAAS system, ADH, and natriuretic peptides in heart failure. It highlights how these mechanisms can lead to cardiac decompensation and discusses pharmacotherapy options available for treatment. Test your knowledge on the complexities of heart function and treatment strategies.