Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the hallmark of heart failure?
What is the hallmark of heart failure?
Which of the following reflects a common symptom of left heart failure?
Which of the following reflects a common symptom of left heart failure?
What causes increased pulmonary capillary pressure in left heart failure?
What causes increased pulmonary capillary pressure in left heart failure?
Which condition is most commonly associated with right heart failure?
Which condition is most commonly associated with right heart failure?
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What physiologic change occurs when a person with impaired ventricle lies flat?
What physiologic change occurs when a person with impaired ventricle lies flat?
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Which symptom is typically not associated with left heart failure?
Which symptom is typically not associated with left heart failure?
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What does high pressure in the right atrium indicate?
What does high pressure in the right atrium indicate?
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What physiological phenomenon leads to dyspnea in patients with left heart failure?
What physiological phenomenon leads to dyspnea in patients with left heart failure?
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What is a significant reason for the reduction in the use of digoxin for heart failure treatment?
What is a significant reason for the reduction in the use of digoxin for heart failure treatment?
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What is the primary mechanism by which digoxin increases cardiac contractility?
What is the primary mechanism by which digoxin increases cardiac contractility?
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Which patient population can benefit from the use of digoxin in heart failure treatment?
Which patient population can benefit from the use of digoxin in heart failure treatment?
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Which of the following statements about digoxin side effects is true?
Which of the following statements about digoxin side effects is true?
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What is the main treatment approach for chronic diastolic heart failure based on current guidelines?
What is the main treatment approach for chronic diastolic heart failure based on current guidelines?
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What is a classic lung finding in heart failure?
What is a classic lung finding in heart failure?
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Which hormone counteracts the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)?
Which hormone counteracts the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)?
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What indicates forward heart failure symptoms?
What indicates forward heart failure symptoms?
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What is a common diagnostic tool for assessing heart failure severity?
What is a common diagnostic tool for assessing heart failure severity?
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What does an increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) indicate?
What does an increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) indicate?
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In systolic heart failure, what happens to stroke volume?
In systolic heart failure, what happens to stroke volume?
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What is a distinguishing factor of diastolic heart failure compared to systolic heart failure?
What is a distinguishing factor of diastolic heart failure compared to systolic heart failure?
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Which of the following is associated with lower extremity pitting edema in heart failure?
Which of the following is associated with lower extremity pitting edema in heart failure?
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During hepatojugular reflux, what is a normal response of jugular venous pressure (JVP)?
During hepatojugular reflux, what is a normal response of jugular venous pressure (JVP)?
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What characterizes concentric hypertrophy seen in diastolic heart failure?
What characterizes concentric hypertrophy seen in diastolic heart failure?
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What typically indicates a failing right ventricle?
What typically indicates a failing right ventricle?
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What is a significant effect of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in heart failure?
What is a significant effect of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in heart failure?
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What is the main role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart failure diagnosis?
What is the main role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart failure diagnosis?
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What change occurs in total peripheral resistance with decreasing cardiac output?
What change occurs in total peripheral resistance with decreasing cardiac output?
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What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in heart failure management?
What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors in heart failure management?
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Which of the following drugs is known to have a side effect of dry cough?
Which of the following drugs is known to have a side effect of dry cough?
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Which common side effect is associated with potassium-sparing diuretics?
Which common side effect is associated with potassium-sparing diuretics?
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Which of the following beta blockers is beneficial in treating chronic systolic heart failure?
Which of the following beta blockers is beneficial in treating chronic systolic heart failure?
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What is the effect of neprilysin inhibitors like Sacubitril?
What is the effect of neprilysin inhibitors like Sacubitril?
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Which class of medications directly block angiotensin II receptors?
Which class of medications directly block angiotensin II receptors?
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What is the main role of beta blockers in systolic heart failure treatment?
What is the main role of beta blockers in systolic heart failure treatment?
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Which side effect is specifically noted for spironolactone?
Which side effect is specifically noted for spironolactone?
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What is a key effect of using an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)?
What is a key effect of using an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)?
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Which medication should not be given together with ACE inhibitors due to the risk of angioedema?
Which medication should not be given together with ACE inhibitors due to the risk of angioedema?
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What effect does ivabradine have on heart rate?
What effect does ivabradine have on heart rate?
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What condition is NOT typically treated with specific drug therapy as per heart failure guidelines?
What condition is NOT typically treated with specific drug therapy as per heart failure guidelines?
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Which drug class is associated with the reduction of renal failure in chronic heart failure treatment?
Which drug class is associated with the reduction of renal failure in chronic heart failure treatment?
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What is the defining characteristic of high output heart failure?
What is the defining characteristic of high output heart failure?
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Which condition is commonly associated with diastolic heart failure?
Which condition is commonly associated with diastolic heart failure?
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What is a primary cause of systolic heart failure?
What is a primary cause of systolic heart failure?
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What is the classic sign of restrictive heart disease?
What is the classic sign of restrictive heart disease?
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What process initiates tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy?
What process initiates tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy?
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Which of the following statement is true regarding Fabry disease?
Which of the following statement is true regarding Fabry disease?
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What is a major cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy linked to granulomas?
What is a major cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy linked to granulomas?
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What type of heart failure is categorized by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
What type of heart failure is categorized by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?
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Which symptom is most commonly associated with restrictive heart disease?
Which symptom is most commonly associated with restrictive heart disease?
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What is the primary consequence of chronic alcohol consumption on the heart?
What is the primary consequence of chronic alcohol consumption on the heart?
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Which of the following is a potential consequence of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy?
Which of the following is a potential consequence of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy?
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Which heart failure type shows symptoms despite normal left ventricular function?
Which heart failure type shows symptoms despite normal left ventricular function?
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Which viral infection commonly leads to myocarditis?
Which viral infection commonly leads to myocarditis?
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What hallmark of restrictive cardiomyopathy is indicated by Kussmaul's sign?
What hallmark of restrictive cardiomyopathy is indicated by Kussmaul's sign?
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What is the primary function of loop diuretics in treating acute heart failure?
What is the primary function of loop diuretics in treating acute heart failure?
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Which of the following is a common cause of acute exacerbations of heart failure?
Which of the following is a common cause of acute exacerbations of heart failure?
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What is the main mechanism of action for nitrates in heart failure therapy?
What is the main mechanism of action for nitrates in heart failure therapy?
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What notable side effect is associated with the use of furosemide?
What notable side effect is associated with the use of furosemide?
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Which inotropic agent is primarily a beta-1 agonist known for increasing heart rate and contractility?
Which inotropic agent is primarily a beta-1 agonist known for increasing heart rate and contractility?
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What is a significant risk associated with the routine use of inotropes in heart failure patients?
What is a significant risk associated with the routine use of inotropes in heart failure patients?
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What should post-discharge follow-up focus on to prevent readmission in heart failure patients?
What should post-discharge follow-up focus on to prevent readmission in heart failure patients?
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What is an important effect of metolazone when used in conjunction with loop diuretics?
What is an important effect of metolazone when used in conjunction with loop diuretics?
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What distinguishes acute heart failure therapy from chronic heart failure therapy?
What distinguishes acute heart failure therapy from chronic heart failure therapy?
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Which class of drugs is primarily used for 'afterload reduction' in heart failure management?
Which class of drugs is primarily used for 'afterload reduction' in heart failure management?
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Which of the following best describes the effect of NSAIDs on heart failure?
Which of the following best describes the effect of NSAIDs on heart failure?
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What common symptom would likely lead to an ER presentation for a patient with acute heart failure?
What common symptom would likely lead to an ER presentation for a patient with acute heart failure?
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Which of the following agents is primarily a vasodilator that requires careful monitoring due to its potential for hypotension?
Which of the following agents is primarily a vasodilator that requires careful monitoring due to its potential for hypotension?
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In a case of systolic heart failure, what is the expected outcome of using an inotrope?
In a case of systolic heart failure, what is the expected outcome of using an inotrope?
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Study Notes
Heart Failure Basics
- Heart failure is an impaired ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, resulting in low cardiac output (CO).
- A visual analogy depicts the heart as a pump, and the body's circulation as the flow of water from a tank.
- Left ventricular failure leads to increased left ventricular pressure (LV pressure).
- LVEDP (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure) is always high in left heart failure.
- A hallmark of left heart failure is less blood pumped out, with more blood left behind in the heart.
- A stiff ventricle (diastolic HF) leads to high pressure.
- Increased LVEDP leads to increased left atrial pressure and increased pulmonary capillary pressure.
- Increased pulmonary capillary pressure leads to dyspnea and pulmonary edema.
- Increased right heart pressures lead to high pressure in the venous system.
- High jugular venous pressure (neck veins) is a sign.
- Capillary leakage leads to pitting edema.
Heart Failure Pathophysiology
- Failing chambers lead to increased pressures in the cardiac chambers.
- Left ventricular failure leads to increased LV pressure.
- LV systolic pressure depends on contractility (can be low).
- LVEDP is always high in left heart failure.
- Less blood pumped out, more left behind.
- Stiff ventricle (diastolic HF)→high pressure.
Heart Failure Pathophysiology: Pulmonary Systems
- Increased LVEDP → increased LA pressure.
- Increased LA pressure → increased pulmonary capillary pressure.
- Increased pulmonary capillary pressure leads to dyspnea and pulmonary edema.
- Increased pressure in the pulmonary artery (PA) leads to increased right ventricular (RV) pressure.
- Increased RV pressure → increased right atrial (RA) pressure.
- Right atrial pressure is equal to central venous pressure.
Heart Failure Signs/Symptoms
- Physiological effects of lying flat (supine): Increased venous return, redistribution of blood volume from extremities and splanchnic beds to the lungs, and worsened pulmonary congestion and breathing.
- Left heart failure: Dyspnea especially on exertion. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (wake up SOB), Orthopnea (can't breathe lying flat).
- Right heart failure: Increased jugular venous pressure. Lower extremity edema, Liver congestion (rarely can cause cirrhosis), "Backward failure"
Heart Failure Right Heart Failure
- The most common cause of right-heart failure is left heart failure.
- Right heart failure can occasionally occur in isolation (not related to left heart failure).
- High pressure in the pulmonary artery, right ventricle, and right atrium usually occur secondary to a lung process.
- Pulmonary hypertension and COPD often lead to this type of failure.
Heart Failure Signs/Symptoms: Low Flow
- Low flow signs/symptoms ("forward failure"): Loss of appetite, weight loss (cachexia), confusion (mental status changes), cool extremities, and narrow pulse pressure.
- Narrow pulse pressure is only seen in systolic heart failure
Heart Failure Lung Findings
- Classic finding in heart failure is rales (crackles).
- Fluid-filled alveoli "pop" open with inspiration.
- Chest X-ray shows congestion, although this may not be apparent in chronic heart failure.
Heart Failure Lung Findings (Cellular Level)
- Heart failure cells, hemosiderin (iron) laden macrophages, and brown pigment are found in macrophages (specialized immune cells).
Heart Failure Signs/Symptoms (Jugular Venous Pressure)
- Elevated jugular venous pressure (normal 6-8 cm H2O) is a key symptom.
- Look for height of double bounce (caused by a and v waves).
Heart Failure Hepatojugular Reflux
- Pressure on the abdomen raises JVP 1-3 cm normally.
- The increase is greater in people with failing right ventricle(RV).
Heart Failure Signs/Symptoms (Edema)
- Lower extremity pitting edema.
- Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure.
- Fluid leak from capillaries to tissues
Heart Failure Abnormal Heart Sounds
- S3 (associated with high left atrial pressure).
- S4 (associated with stiff left ventricle).
- Displaced apical impulse indicates an enlarged heart.
Heart Failure Pathophysiology (Systemic Response)
-All forms of heart failure cause a decrease in cardiac output.
- Activation of the sympathetic nervous system results.
- Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system occurs.
- Both systems work together to lead to increased peripheral vascular resistance and sodium and water retention.
Heart Failure Total Peripheral Resistance
- Cardiac output decreases, leading to vasoconstriction.
- Angiotensin II and the sympathetic nervous system cause this to happen, leading to a higher total peripheral resistance (TPR).
- . Blood pressure is often high but can be low.
Heart Failure Sodium/Water Retention
- Decreased cardiac output → decreased effective circulating blood volume.
- This stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), triggering anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) release to increase sodium/water retention.
Heart Failure Other Hormones (ANP)
- Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released in response to atrial stretch.
- ANP is a vasodilator and promotes increased diuresis, which counteracts the effects of the RAAS system.
Heart Failure Other Hormones (BNP)
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released by ventricles from volume and pressure overload.
- BNP helps to counteract RAAS and provide a diagnosis for heart failure. High levels suggest heart failure, while low levels suggest something else.
Nesiritide
- Recombinant BNP.
- Causes vasodilation.
- Lowers afterload and increases CO.
- Failed to improve efficacy in clinical trials
Heart Failure Diagnosis
- Most commonly, diagnosis is based on typical signs, symptoms and elevated BNP level.
- Heart catheterization is used for specific diagnostic measurement.
- Increased LVEDP suggests left heart congestion/failure.
- Increased RA/RVEDP suggest right heart congestion/failure
Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure
- Ejection fraction is reduced (systolic).
- Ejection fraction is normal (55-65%) (diastolic).
Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure (Signs and Symptoms)
- Both have similar congestive signs and symptoms (dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, rales, ↑ JVP, pitting edema)
- The exception is systolic heart failure exhibits low flow symptoms, including cool extremities, cachexia and confusion.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Systolic heart failure with LV cavity dilation.
- Volume overload (chronic retention of fluid in cavity)
- Increased myocyte size and sarcomere lengths in series.
- Normal wall thickness.
Concentric Hypertrophy
- Pressure overload in the ventricle.
- Chronic hypertension, or aortic stenosis
- Causes a decrease in compliance (stiff ventricle).
- Increased myocyte size and sarcomere increase in parallel resulting in thickness of walls
Systolic Heart Failure (Problem/Mechanism)
- Problem is in systole (contraction) - The heart cannot effectively pump blood out.
- Ejection fraction is low
- Stroke volume is decreased.
- Increased end-systolic volume.
- End-diastolic volume is increased.
- Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) is increased.
Diastolic Heart Failure (Problem/Mechanism)
- Problem is in diastole (filling).
- The heart cannot effectively fill with blood
- EDV is decreased.
- LVEDP is elevated (due to ventricular stiffness).
Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure (Values)
- The table shows normal, systolic/dilated, and diastolic values for EDV, ESV, SV/CO, and EF%.
Systolic Heart Failure (Causes)
- Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause.
- Ischemic cardiomyopathy and many non-ischemic cardiomyopathies are also causes.
Diastolic Heart Failure (Causes)
- The exact cause is unknown, however, concentric hypertrophy, age, diabetes & hypertension are common associated conditions.
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Viral)
- May follow an upper respiratory infection, and often associated with viruses (including Coxsackie).
- Virus enters myocytes and causes myocarditis that can progress to cardiomyopathy.
- Myocarditis phase is often missed/undiagnosed.
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Peri-partum)
- Late in pregnancy and early post-pregnancy.
- Exact cause is unknown, but likely multifactorial.
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Chemotherapy)
- Usually comes from anthracycline chemotherapy.
- Antitumor antibiotics Doxorubicin and Daunorubicin can cause it.
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Familial)
- Mutations in sarcomere proteins (including Beta and Alpha myosin heavy chain, and Troponin)
- Many are autosomal dominant, some are x-linked or autosomal recessive.
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Tachycardia-mediated)
- Constant, rapid heart rate for weeks or months.
- Causes a decrease in LV systolic function.
- Usually reversible with slowing the heart rate
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo/Apical Ballooning)
- Stress-induced cardiomyopathy occurs after sever emotional distress.
- Leads to a markedly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
- It presents as increased CK, MB, Troponin, and EKG changes.
- Looks like anterior myocardial infarction (MI), but no coronary disease.
Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (Alcohol)
- Chronic alcohol consumption can cause cardiomyopathy.
- It's thought to be due to toxic metabolites.
- It can sometimes reverse with cessation.
High Output Heart Failure
- Heart is in overdrive.
- Causes include severe anemia, thyroid disease, thiamine deficiency (beriberi), and arteriovenous (AV) Fistulas.
- Exact mechanism is unclear.
- Defining characteristic is a high cardiac output.
- It can present as high JVP, and pulmonary edema.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Something infiltrates the myocardium.
- Granulomas (sarcoid) and amyloid protein (amyloidosis) are infiltrators.
- Heart cannot relax and fill effectively.
- Severe diastolic dysfunction, with LVEF being normal.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Clinical Features)
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Prominent right heart failure signs (elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP), lower extremity edema, liver congestion; possibly leading to cirrhosis).
Restrictive Heart Disease (Classic Signs)
- Kussmaul's sign: Inspiration causes a rise in jugular venous pressure (JVP).
Restrictive Heart Disease (Rhythm Disturbances)
- Myocardial infiltration can disrupt electrical activity.
- Arrhythmias (including sudden death risk).
- Atrioventricular (AV) block.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Amyloidosis)
- Amyloid protein deposits in the heart.
- Various forms of amyloidosis include primary, and secondary.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Classic Signs: EKG)
- Thickened myocardium can be visualized.
- Low-voltage on EKG may appear in cases of amyloidosis and Fabry's disease.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Sarcoidosis)
- Granuloma formation often observed in the lungs, but can affect other extra-pulmonary organs, including the heart.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Fabry Disease)
- Lysosomal storage disease with deficiency of alpha-galatosidase A leads to ceramide trihexoside accumulation.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Hemochromatosis)
- Iron excess commonly causing dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Can rarely lead to restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Post-Radiation)
- Acute inflammation/Fibroblast recruitment may occur from radiation.
- Accumulation of collagen and fibronectin may occur.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Other Causes)
- Pericarditis, pericardial disease, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, conduction abnormalities, or restrictive cardiomyopathy can all cause long-term effects.
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Eosinophilic Infiltrations)
- Eosinophils may infiltrate myocardium, often with acute episodes/myocarditis (often asymptomatic.)
- Chronic phase often consists of endomyocardial fibrosis and myocyte death.
- Thrombus formation is common (embolic stroke risk).
Restrictive Heart Disease (Major Causes: Endocardial Fibroelastosis)
- Endocardial thickening (innermost myocardium) is seen in infants during their first year.
- Proliferation of fibrous (collagen) and elastic fibers.
Acute Heart Failure
- Congestion / Swollen
- Pulmonary Edema
- Pitting Edema
- Increased Jugular Vein Pressure (JVP)
Acute Heart Failure (Causes of Exacerbation)
- Dietary indiscretion and high salt intake.
- Poor medication compliance.
- Infection, trauma or surgery.
Acute Heart Failure Treatment
- Primarily focus on symptom relief in hospitalized setting.
- Contrast with chronic treatment focus on lowering mortality/hospitalizations and preventing further progression.
- Treat with same type of therapies whether diastolic or systolic based HF.
Loop Diuretics
- Inhibit Na-K-Cl pump in the ascending loop of Henle.
- Increase salt and water excretion, which eases congestion.
- IV form is better in cases of GI distress.
- Common side effects include hypokalemia and volume depletion.
Thiazide-like Diuretic (Metolazone)
- Thiazide-like diuretic.
- Inhibits Na/Cl reabsorption in the distal tubule.
- A "kick" for loop diuretics to increase diuresis.
- Other side effects include additional fluid and K+ loss.
Nitrates
- Predominant mechanism is venous dilation.
- Expanding veins hold more blood in a way that shifts blood away from the left ventricle.
- Leads to lower LVEDV (preload) and LA pressure.
- Reduces pulmonary edema and improves dyspnea (difficulty breathing).
Nitrates (Side Effects)
- Side effects include headache (from increased blood vessel dilation), flushing, and hypotension.
Vasodilators
- Generally aim to reduce afterload and improve cardiac output.
- ACE inhibitors and hydralazine classically used.
Nitrates plus Hydralazine
- Combination therapy used in acute and chronic HF.
- The combination therapy reduces preload (nitrates) and afterload (hydralazine).
- Improves symptoms in acute cases and improves mortality in others.
Inotropes
- Increase contractility, but only used in systolic heart failure.
- Inotropes will NOT work for diastolic HF when contractility is normal.
- Inotropes work by activating beta-1 pathways.
- Some increase heart rate and contractility in smooth muscle.
- May cause vasodilation leading to hypotension
Inotropes (Milrinone)
- Phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor.
- Breaks down cAMP.
- Inhibits PD3, which increases cAMP, and contributes to increased inotropy and vasodilation.
- Side effect: hypotension.
Inotropes (Dobutamine)
- Mostly beta-1 agonist.
- Increases heart rate and contractility.
- Weak beta-2 agonist means vasodilation.
- Side effect: hypotension.
Inotropes (Dopamine)
- Does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so few CNS side effects.
- Low dose is a dopamine agonist, leading to some vasodilation in kidneys.
- Medium dose is a beta-1 agonist, increasing heart rate and contractility.
- High dose is an alpha agonist causing vasoconstriction.
Inotropes (Epinephrine)
- Also dose-dependent effects.
- Low dose is both beta-1 and beta-2 agonist, increasing heart rate, contractility and vasodilation.
- High dose is an alpha agonist, increasing vasoconstriction.
Inotrope Risks
- Inotrope use may increase mortality.
- Inotropes are used in very sick patients and closely monitored.
Typical Acute Heart Failure Course
- ER presentation (initiation of heart failure symptoms).
- Hospitalized with symptom management (including symptom relief with Lasix, nitroglycerine, and/or inotropes
- Symptoms improving → transition to oral medication
More Complex Acute Heart Failure Course
- ER presentation (with known LVEF and other presenting complications).
- Hospitalization, symptom management and improving symptoms.
Heart Failure Readmission
- Recurrence is common following discharge from medical care due to heart failure.
- Post-discharge follow-up is important and critical.
Chronic Heart Failure
- Most patients need chronic therapy with diuretics (such as oral furosemide).
- Some need long acting nitrates, in addition to the diuretics.
- The choice of therapies depends on whether it is systolic or diastolic dysfunction.
Chronic Systolic Heart Failure Therapies
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, neprilysin inhibitors, and ivabradine are effective therapies.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
- Used to reduce annual SCD Risk, often due to ventricular tachycardia.
Biventricular Pacemakers
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is used to improve heart function and coordination, often with better response/results after CRT
Chronic Heart Failure Treatment Pathway
- Acute heart failure receives RX for symptom management.
- For chronic heart failure, appropriate treatment pathways for diastolic and systolic failure exist.
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Test your knowledge on heart failure with this comprehensive quiz. Explore topics such as symptoms, treatments, and physiological changes associated with left and right heart failure. Perfect for medical students and healthcare professionals alike.