Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following mechanisms contributes to the development of edema in congestive heart failure?

  • Vasodilation reducing fluid accumulation in tissues.
  • Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system decreasing heart rate.
  • Increased cardiac output leading to fluid overload.
  • Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system causing sodium and water retention. (correct)

How does chronic hypertension contribute to the development of congestive heart failure?

  • By dilating blood vessels, reducing resistance against the heart's pumping action.
  • By causing the heart to work harder, potentially leading to cardiomyopathy and impaired function. (correct)
  • By decreasing the workload on the heart, allowing it to rest.
  • By directly damaging the kidneys, reducing fluid retention.

In congestive heart failure, what is the primary consequence of the ventricles' inability to effectively pump blood during systole and/or fill adequately during diastole?

  • Increased blood flow to meet the body’s metabolic demands.
  • Insufficient blood flow to meet the body’s metabolic demands, leading to systemic hypoperfusion. (correct)
  • Reduced blood volume, preventing fluid accumulation.
  • Efficient blood supply to vital organs and tissues due to overcompensation.

What is the initial compensatory response of the body to decreased cardiac output in congestive heart failure?

<p>Activation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and vasoconstriction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does valvular heart disease contribute to the development of congestive heart failure?

<p>By disrupting blood flow and overloading the heart. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurohormone contributes to fluid retention and vasoconstriction in congestive heart failure, independent of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?

<p>Vasopressin. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of vasoconstriction on the heart in the context of congestive heart failure?

<p>It increases the resistance against which the heart must pump, further straining the heart muscle. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased venous return, resulting from fluid retention, affect the heart in congestive heart failure?

<p>It increases the amount of blood the heart has to pump, potentially leading to pulmonary congestion and edema. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the long-term consequence of chronic pressure and volume overload on the heart chambers in congestive heart failure?

<p>The heart chambers enlarge and become stiff, further impairing their function. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which underlying condition can directly lead to myocardial infarction, potentially resulting in decreased muscle contractility and congestive heart failure?

<p>Coronary heart disease. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Congestive Heart Failure

The heart's inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and tissues.

Heart Failure

Reduced heart pumping effectiveness leading to decreased cardiac output and insufficient blood supply to meet the body’s needs.

Compensatory Mechanisms in Heart Failure

Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction triggered by the sympathetic nervous system to maintain blood pressure and cardiac output in heart failure.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormonal system activated by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, leading to sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume.

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Cardiac Remodeling in Heart Failure

Chronic pressure and volume overload can cause the heart chambers to enlarge (dilate) and become stiff (hypertrophy), further impairing heart function.

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Coronary Heart Disease

Narrowing of arteries, potentially leading to myocardial infarction and reduced heart muscle contractility.

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Hypertension

High blood pressure that makes the heart work harder, potentially leading to cardiomyopathy or hypertrophy.

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Valvular Heart Disease

Conditions like stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking) that disrupt blood flow and overload the heart.

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Study Notes

  • Congestive heart failure is when the heart fails to pump blood effectively
  • Fluid buildup in the lungs and other tissues occurs
  • Underlying conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, or valvular heart disease often cause it

Causes

  • Coronary heart disease: Blockages in the artery can lead to myocardial infarction and a decrease in muscle contractility
  • Hypertension: Can cause the heart to work harder leading to cardiomyopathy/hypertrophy and impair its function
  • Valvular heart disease: Stenosis or regurgitation can disrupt blood flow and overload the heart

Heart Failure

  • The heart cannot pump blood effectively leading to decrease in cardiac output
  • Less blood is delivered to the body’s tissues and organs due to issues affecting the heart muscle’s ability to contract and relax properly
  • Ventricles cannot pump blood effectively during systole, or not enough blood is filled into the ventricles during diastole
  • Decrease in the amount of blood pumped with each beat results in insufficient blood flow to meet the body’s metabolic demands and inadequate blood supply to vital organs and tissues leading to systemic hypoperfusion

Compensation

  • The body attempts to compensate by activating the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and vasoconstriction
  • Reduced blood flow to kidneys activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system leading to sodium and water retention, further increasing blood volume
  • Neurohormones like vasopressin are released, contributing to fluid retention and vasoconstriction

Effects

  • Vasoconstriction increases the resistance against which the heart must pump, straining the heart muscle
  • Fluid retention leads to increased blood volume and venous return, increasing the amount of blood the heart has to pump
  • Pulmonary congestion and edema can occur
  • Chronic pressure and volume overload can cause the heart chambers to enlarge and become stiff, further impairing their function

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