Heart Failure (part 1)

Heart failure is defined as an in ability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation because of an impaired pumping capability. The cardiac output is diminished and peripheral tissue is not perfused adequately. The congestion of the lungs and periphery will occur.

There are two kind of heart failure: acute heart failure that occurs suddenly, and chronic heart failure that develops over the time.

Type of Heart Failure:

1. Right Ventricular and Left Ventricular Failure: Most of them begin with left ventricular failure and then progresses to both of ventricles. Left ventricular failure can progress to acute pulmonary edema that death will occur if not treated immediately.
2. Forward and Backward Heart Failure: In forward failure, the output of the affected ventricle is inadequate and causes decreased perfusion to vital organs. In backward failure, blood backs up behind the affected failure that causes increased pressure in the atrium behind the affected ventricle.
3. Low Output and High Output: in low output failure, the cardiac output is not enough to meet the demand. In high output failure, the heart works harder to meet the demand.
4. Systolic Failure and Diastolic Failure: Systolic failure means the problem with contraction and the ejection of blood. Diastolic failure means the problem in relaxing of the heart and filling with blood.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure

Right Ventricular Failure:

• Pitting, dependent edema in the feet, legs, sacrum, back, and buttocks
• Ascites form portal hypertension
• Distended neck veins
• Tenderness of right upper quadrant
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and anorexia
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Nocturnal diuresis

Left Ventricular Failure:

• Cough with frothy sputum
• Dyspnea on exertion
• Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
• Orthopnea
• Crackles on auscultation
• Tachycardia
• Pallor
• Cyanosis
• Fatigue
• Confusion and disorientation
• Signs of cerebral anorexia

Acute Pulmonary Edema:

• Severe dyspnea and orthopnea
• Tachycardia
• Pallor
• Bubbling respirations
• Expectoration of large amount of blood tinged
• Profuse sweating
• Cold and clammy skin
• Nasal flaring
• Cyanosis
• Use of accessory breathing muscle
• Tahycpnea
• Hypocapnia
• Anxiety, apprehension and restlessness

Continued to Heart Failure (part-2)