4 Heart Failure Free Online FlashCards

What defines heart failure?

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome in which a structural or functional heart problem causes symptoms or signs such as breathlessness, fatigue, or fluid retention.

How do left- and right-sided congestion commonly differ?

Left-sided congestion commonly causes breathlessness and pulmonary edema; right-sided congestion often causes raised neck veins, leg swelling, or abdominal fluid. These patterns can overlap.

How is heart failure assessed and diagnosed?

No single symptom or examination finding proves or excludes heart failure. Combine the history and examination with tests such as echocardiography, natriuretic peptides, ECG, imaging, and blood tests.

What does echocardiography assess in heart failure?

Echocardiography assesses LVEF, chamber size, valves, and other structural or functional abnormalities.

What can trigger acute decompensated heart failure?

Common triggers include infection, ischemia or myocardial infarction, uncontrolled blood pressure, arrhythmia, missed medication, excess sodium or fluid, kidney dysfunction, and certain drugs.

Which signs of worsening heart failure require emergency care?

Severe breathlessness at rest, low oxygen, chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue or clammy skin, very low blood pressure, or signs of shock require emergency care.

How is fluid overload commonly treated during acute decompensation?

Intravenous loop diuretics are commonly used for fluid overload. Monitor symptoms, urine output, weight, kidney function, and electrolytes.

What are the four foundational HFrEF medication groups?

For eligible patients with HFrEF, foundational GDMT includes an ARNI (or ACE inhibitor or ARB if unsuitable), an evidence-based beta blocker, an MRA, and an SGLT2 inhibitor.

What is the role of SGLT2 inhibitors across ejection-fraction types?

SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce heart failure events in appropriate patients with HFmrEF or HFpEF. For HFrEF, they are part of foundational therapy whether or not the patient has diabetes.

What is the main role of diuretics in ongoing heart failure care?

Diuretics relieve fluid congestion across ejection-fraction types, primarily controlling symptoms and volume rather than replacing disease-modifying therapy.

What changes should a person with heart failure monitor and report?

Track symptoms and, when advised, daily weight. Report rapid weight gain, worsening swelling, increasing breathlessness, or reduced exercise ability according to the care team's action plan.

How are heart failure types grouped by LVEF?

HFrEF has LVEF $\leq 40\%$, HFmrEF $41\text{–}49\%$, and HFpEF $\geq 50\%$.