Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 Left-Sided Heart Failure Left-sided heart failure is fatal and causes the left ventricle of the heart to stop pumping efficiently. In this case, the other organs of the body do not receive adequate blood, causing fatigue and increased pressure in lung veins leading to accumulation of fluid, shortness of breath, and pulmonary edema. Causes include excessive alcohol, heart attack, infections in muscles of the heart, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism and narrowing of valves. Symptoms of left-sided heart failure include frothy or blood-tinged mucus in the cough, low production of urine, difficulty sleeping, weakness, faintness, fatigue, irregular and high heartbeat, high palpitations, shortness of breath, and weight gain due to fluid retention. Backward Failure Versus Forward Failure Heart failure can also be categorized as backward and forward failure. Backward failure of the heart is when the systemic pressure in the veins of the right ventricle are increased and simultaneously, the pulmonary pressure in the veins of the left side of the heart are increased, leading to congestive heart failure. In contrast, in forward heart failure, the volume of the flow of blood that passes to the left side of the heart, the aorta, and the right ride of the heart through the pulmonary artery is reduced. In backward failure, the fluid is retained and causes pressure on the heart muscles and worsens the functioning of the heart. However, in forward heart failure, vasoconstriction further increases the lack of blood, worsening the function. Cardiogenic Shock Cardiogenic shock is the situation in which the heart is damaged to such an extent that the pumping function deteriorates so badly that it is not able to supply enough blood to main organs in the body. A severe heart attack is the main cause of a cardiogenic attack. If not treated immediately, cardiogenic shock can lead to loss of life, and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Symptoms of cardiogenic shock include palpitations, severe shortness of breath, tachycardia, unconsciousness, fall in pulse, sweating, paleness, cold hands and feet, and decreased urine. Cardiogenic shock is caused when the left ventricle is damaged due to an inadequate supply of blood to the heart, causing the weakening of heart muscles. Other causes of cardiogenic shock include myocarditis in which the heart muscles become inflamed; endocarditis, an infection in the valves of the heart; weakening of heart due to any reason; and overdoses of drugs or poisonous substances that impair the pumping function of the heart. Treatment of cardiogenic shock includes emergency life support where extra oxygen is given to prevent further damage to muscles and organs. Medications include aspirin, thrombolytic, superaspirins, inotropic agents, and other blood thinning medications. Angioplasty and stenting, balloon pumping, and, in severe cases, surgeries like coronary artery bypass surgery, heart pumps, or heart transplantation, may be required. Transplant Heart transplantation is a cardiac surgery in which the failing or diseased heart is replaced by a healthier heart donated by a donor. This is a resort for someone whose heart disease has not responded to other medications and procedures significantly. It is generally done in cases of severe Achieve Page 52