Underlying Causes

What are some precipitating causes of heart failure?

• Arrhythmias e.g. atrial fibrillation

• Acute myocardial infarction

• Anaemia

• Thyroid disorders e.g. thyrotoxicosis

• Alcohol excess

• Drugs that may exacerbate heart failure

What amount of alcohol increases risk of heart failure?

• drinking above safe limits

• 14 units of alcohol per week

What drugs may exacerbate heart failure?

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• steroids

• diltiazem

• verapamil

Why is it important to screen for an underlying cause of heart failure?

• This may be correctable

What symptoms would you ask for to identify the underlying cause of heart failure?

• Tachyarrhythmias

• Anaemia

• Thyrotoxicosis

• Angina

What drugs would you check for when reviewing patient’s recent drug use?

self administered drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

What are the non-modifiable risk factors of heart failure?

• age

• previous myocardial infarction

What are modifiable risk factors of heart failure?

• hypertension

• diabetes

• current smoking

Why should you encourage younger patients, less than 65 years to address the modifiable risk factors?

• Modifiable risk factors confer a greater relative risk of heart failure in younger people compared with older people