Heart Failure Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards related to heart failure, its types, symptoms, and management.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

The amount of blood ejected in one minute; normal range is 50-70%, below 40% indicates potential issues.

Risk Factors for Heart Failure

Conditions that increase the risk of heart failure, including CAD, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, allergies, COPD, smoking, and high sodium diet.

Systolic

Phase of the cardiac cycle involving ventricular contraction.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps per minute; normal range is 4-8 liters.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

Failure of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood, leading to blood backing up into the lungs.

Pulmonary Congestion

Backflow of blood into the lungs due to left-sided heart failure, leading to pulmonary congestion.

Orthopnea

Shortness of breath when lying down, often relieved by using multiple pillows to prop oneself up; symptom of left-sided heart failure.

Cough with Frothy Sputum

Cough producing frothy sputum, indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs due to left-sided heart failure.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

Failure of the right ventricle, leading to blood backing up into the systemic circulation.

Pitting Edema

Swelling in the peripheral tissues due to fluid accumulation from right-sided heart failure.

Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)

Distended jugular veins, a sign of increased central venous pressure often seen in right-sided heart failure.

Activity Intolerance

Reduced ability to perform physical activities due to heart failure.

Impaired Liver Function

Impairment of liver function due to congestion from right-sided heart failure.

Enlarged Liver

Enlargement of the liver.

Enlarged Spleen

Enlargement of the spleen.

Anorexia

Loss of appetite.

Ankle Edema

Swelling of the ankles due to fluid retention.

Low Sodium Diet

A diet low in sodium, typically 2-3 grams per day, recommended for heart failure patients to manage fluid overload.

Fluid Restriction

Limiting fluid intake to approximately 2 liters per day to manage fluid overload in heart failure patients.

Chest X-Ray

Imaging technique to assess the condition of the lungs in heart failure patients.

Hemodynamic Monitoring

Monitoring of the patient's blood pressure, heart rate to assess the severity of heart failure.

BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide)

Cardiac hormone; elevated levels indicate heart failure.

Diuretics

Medications that promote fluid loss through urination, used to manage fluid overload in heart failure.

M.E.W

Medication, purpose, and side effects.

T.S

Weight-monitoring activity.