24 Questions
What is the main problem in third-degree heart block?
Decreased cardiac output from loss of atrial contribution
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
What is the estimated prevalence of heart failure in the Australian population?
1.5-2% 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
What is the primary treatment for third-degree heart block?
Pacemaker after pharmacological treatment
What is the usual outcome of ischaemia of the AV node in the context of inferior myocardial infarction?
Resolving ischaemia
What is the primary mechanism of heart failure?
Dysfunction of the left ventricle
What is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?
Dyspnoea
Which type of heart failure is associated with an inability of the heart to generate adequate cardiac output?
Systolic heart failure
Which of the following diseases is most commonly associated with decreased myocardial contractility?
Myocardial infarction
Approximately what proportion of systolic heart failure patients have documented coronary heart disease or acute myocardial infarction?
Two-thirds
What factors influence stroke volume in the context of cardiac output?
Afterload, contractility, and preload
Essential hypertension is strongly associated with heart failure and is present in approximately what fraction of newly diagnosed cases?
Two-thirds
Which type of heart failure is also known as congestive heart failure?
Left heart failure
What are some secondary causes of decreased myocardial contractility?
Recurrent myocardial ischaemia and increased myocardial workload
Which cardiovascular disease is examined in relation to heart failure in the provided sections?
Coronary heart disease
What is a common cause of right heart failure when there is no left heart failure?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What pathological process leads to an increased right ventricular afterload in the context of hypoxic pulmonary diseases?
Pulmonary hypertension
Which of the following is an essential aspect to differentiate in heart failure?
Systolic heart failure and diastolic heart failure
What critical process is involved in the progression of systolic heart failure?
Ventricular remodelling
What triggers the downward spiral of physiological function in severe, untreated shock?
Positive feedback loops
What term describes the condition where there is a failure of two or more organ systems?
Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
How can the downward spiral in severe shock be halted?
Compensatory mechanisms or clinical intervention
What is recommended for the non-pharmacological management of heart failure?
Regular physical activity
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).
This quiz covers heart failure, its relationship with other cardiovascular diseases, and associated conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
