Disease Process

Question 1

what are the caused of death for HF?

Answer 1

sudden cardiac death
progressive pump dysfunction/failure and congestion
arrhythmias

Question 2

what is the most common cause of HFrEF?

Answer 2

Intrinsic myocardial damage, especially coronary artery disease (CAD) / MI. IHD, cardiomyopathies.

Question 3

What is the main difference between HFrEF and HFpEF in terms of dysfunction?

Answer 3

HFrEF = systolic dysfunction (impaired contraction & ejection)

HFpEF = diastolic dysfunction (impaired relaxation & filling)

Question 4

what conditions cause pressure overload and how can it cause HF?

Answer 4

The heart must pump against increased resistance, causing ventricular thickening, then weakening → HF.
Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension

Aortic stenosis

Question 5

what conditions cause volume overload and how can it cause HF?

Answer 5

Excess blood volume stretches the ventricle → dilation → weaker contractions → HF.
Aortic regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation

Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Question 6

What is HFpEF strongly associated with?

Answer 6

Obesity

Type 2 diabetes

Hypertension

Atrial fibrillation

Question 7

how does HF progress?

Answer 7

may not show symptoms at first, but as time goes on (years) cardiac remodelling occurs and then HF signs and symptoms occur.

Question 8

Which biomarkers are most useful for ruling OUT HF?

Answer 8

Normal BNP or NT-proBNP.

Question 9

Which symptoms differentiate pulmonary vs systemic congestion?

Answer 9

Pulmonary = breathlessness; systemic = peripheral oedema.

Question 10

What is the key difference between NYHA and ACC/AHA?

Answer 10

NYHA = symptom severity

ACC/AHA = disease progression