Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Diseases

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Questions and Answers

What is the main problem in third-degree heart block?

AV dissociation

Decreased cardiac output from loss of atrial contribution (correct)

Prolonged PR interval

Atrial tachycardia

What is the usual cause of third-degree heart block in the context of myocardial infarction?

Ischaemia of the AV node due to interrupted nodal artery (correct)

Hypokalaemia

Inferior wall myocardial infarction with preserved nodal artery

Faulty cell metabolism in the bundle of His

What is the estimated prevalence of heart failure in the Australian population?

3-4% of all Australians

1.5-2% of all Australians (correct)

5-6% of all Australians

0.5-1% of all Australians

What is heart failure characterised by?

An underlying structural abnormality or cardiac dysfunction that impairs the ability of the left ventricle to fill with or eject blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for third-degree heart block?

Pacemaker after pharmacological treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual outcome of ischaemia of the AV node in the context of inferior myocardial infarction?

Resolving ischaemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of heart failure?

Dysfunction of the left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?

Dyspnoea Signup and view all the answers

Which type of heart failure is associated with an inability of the heart to generate adequate cardiac output?

Systolic heart failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is most commonly associated with decreased myocardial contractility?

Myocardial infarction Signup and view all the answers

Approximately what proportion of systolic heart failure patients have documented coronary heart disease or acute myocardial infarction?

Two-thirds Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence stroke volume in the context of cardiac output?

Afterload, contractility, and preload Signup and view all the answers

Essential hypertension is strongly associated with heart failure and is present in approximately what fraction of newly diagnosed cases?

Two-thirds Signup and view all the answers

Which type of heart failure is also known as congestive heart failure?

Left heart failure Signup and view all the answers

What are some secondary causes of decreased myocardial contractility?

Recurrent myocardial ischaemia and increased myocardial workload Signup and view all the answers

Which cardiovascular disease is examined in relation to heart failure in the provided sections?

Coronary heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of right heart failure when there is no left heart failure?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Signup and view all the answers

What pathological process leads to an increased right ventricular afterload in the context of hypoxic pulmonary diseases?

Pulmonary hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an essential aspect to differentiate in heart failure?

Systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure Signup and view all the answers

What critical process is involved in the progression of systolic heart failure?

Ventricular remodelling Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the downward spiral of physiological function in severe, untreated shock?

Positive feedback loops Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the condition where there is a failure of two or more organ systems?

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) Signup and view all the answers

How can the downward spiral in severe shock be halted?

Compensatory mechanisms or clinical intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for the non-pharmacological management of heart failure?

Regular physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alterations of Cardiovascular Function Across the Life Span

Heart failure is a syndrome encompassing several different types of cardiac dysfunction that result in inadequate perfusion of tissues with oxygen and blood-borne nutrients.

Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs in up to 1.5–2% of all Australians, with over one-third of the cases being in people aged 75 years or over.
Most causes of heart failure result from dysfunction of the left ventricle (systolic and diastolic heart failure).
Right ventricular failure can also occur, especially in pulmonary disease.

Causes of Heart Failure

Coronary heart disease and acute myocardial infarction are documented in about two-thirds of systolic heart failure patients.
Essential hypertension is also strongly associated with heart failure and is present in approximately two-thirds of all newly diagnosed cases.

Types of Heart Failure

Left heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, can be further categorized as systolic heart failure or diastolic heart failure.
Systolic heart failure is defined as an inability of the heart to generate adequate cardiac output to perfuse vital tissues.
Diastolic heart failure is characterized by an inability of the heart to fill with blood during diastole.

Third-Degree Heart Block

P waves present and independent of QRS.
No observed relationship between P and QRS.
Always AV dissociation.
Decreased cardiac output from loss of atrial contribution to ventricular preload.
Causes: hypokalemia (< 3.5 mmol/L), faulty cell metabolism low in bundle of His, acute myocardial infarction, especially inferior wall.
Treatment: pacemaker after pharmacological treatment, temporary pacing if caused by inferior myocardial infarction.

Shock

Shock is a state where the cardiovascular system fails to perfuse the tissues adequately, resulting in widespread impairment of cellular metabolism.
Causes: any factor that alters heart function, blood volume, or blood pressure.
Clinical manifestations: various and can progress to organ failure and death unless compensatory mechanisms reverse the process or clinical intervention succeeds.
Untreated severe shock can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

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Description

This quiz covers heart failure, its relationship with other cardiovascular diseases, and associated conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.