Chronic Heart Failure

Chronic Heart Failure

In this exercise, you will complete a MindMap to gauge your understanding of this week’s content. Select one of the possible topics provided to complete your MindMap.

• myocardial infarction
• congenital heart disease (may select ASD, VSD, or PDA)
• peripheral arterial disease
• peripheral vascular disease
• valvular heart disease
• cardiomyopathy (may select dilated, hypertrophic, or restricted)
• atherosclerosis
• aortic aneurysm
• deep vein thrombosis
• hypertension
• heart failure

APA

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Chronic Heart Failure

Heart Failure: Explained

1. Definition

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient needs. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that its efficiency is reduced.

2. Types

• Left-sided heart failure: The most common type. The left ventricle can’t pump blood effectively to the body. Causes fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion).

• Right-sided heart failure: The right ventricle can’t pump blood to the lungs effectively. Often caused by left-sided failure. Leads to fluid buildup in the body (legs, abdomen).

• Systolic heart failure: The heart can’t contract forcefully enough to pump blood.

• Diastolic heart failure: The heart contracts normally but the ventricles don’t relax properly, reducing filling and output.

3. Causes

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the heart muscle.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): Makes the heart work harder, leading to muscle thickening or weakening.

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Damages heart tissue, reducing pumping ability.

• Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle itself (can be inherited or caused by other conditions).

• Valve disorders: Faulty heart valves disrupt blood flow and strain the heart.

4. Signs and Symptoms

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea): Especially during activity or when lying down.

• Fatigue and weakness: Due to reduced oxygen delivery.

• Edema (swelling): Especially in legs, ankles, and feet.

• Weight gain: From fluid retention.

• Jugular vein distension: Bulging neck veins from fluid buildup.

5. Diagnosis

• Physical exam: Detects fluid overload and abnormal heart sounds.

• Echocardiogram: Assesses heart function and ejection fraction (EF).

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Checks for arrhythmias or heart damage.

• Chest X-ray: Shows heart size and fluid in the lungs.

• BNP blood test: Measures B-type natriuretic peptide, elevated in heart failure.

6. Treatment

• Lifestyle changes: Diet (low sodium), quitting smoking, weight loss, and exercise.

• Medications:

  • Diuretics: Reduce fluid overload.

  • ACE inhibitors/ARBs: Lower blood pressure and ease heart workload.

  • Beta-blockers: Slow heart rat……..