Question

1. Explain, in detail, all of the following for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). A. Right-Sided CHF 1. What are some of the causes? 2. Explain the disease process. 3. What are the signs and symptoms? 4. How might the body compensate for the effects caused by the disease process? B. Left-Sided CHF 1. What are some of the causes? 2. Explain the disease process. 3. What are the signs and symptoms? 4. How might the body compensate for the effects caused by the disease process?

Answer 1

A) Right sided CHF - Right-sided heart failure means that the right side of the heart is not pumping blood to the lungs as well as normal. It is also called cor pulmonale or pulmonary heart disease.

1. Causes of right sided CHF are :-

- infarction of right ventricle

- pulmonary valve stenosis

- pulmonary disease

2. Pathophysiology :

1. Right ventricle weakens and cannot empty

2. Decreased CO to system

3. Decreased renal blood flow stimulates renin-angiotensin and aldosterone secretion

4. Backup of blood into systemic circulation

5. Increased venous pressure results in legs, liver, and abdominal organs

6. Very high venous pressure causes distended neck vein and cerebral edema.

3. Signs and symptoms of Right Sided Heart Failure

Awakening at night with shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath during exercise or when lying flat.

Coughing.

Wheezing.

Difficulty concentrating.

Dizziness.

Fatigue.

Fluid retention causing swelling in the ankles, legs, feet and/or abdomen.

4. With heart failure, the heart doesn't pump as well as it should. So your body doesn't get enough blood and oxygen. The body's hormone and nervous systems try to make up for this by increasing blood pressure, holding on to salt (sodium) and water in the body, and increasing heart rate.