NR 601 Week 2 – HF Notes
- Background
oHeart failure (old term was CHF)
▪Clinical syndrome that includes impaired ventricular
filling and decreased cardiac output
●Symptoms
oSOB
oDyspnea w/ or w/o exertion
oEdema
oFrothy sputum production
▪Causes could include structural or functional
disorders of the heart
▪Patients present with signs of fluid overload
▪Could result in pulmonary congestions (lungs
could also be involved)
oHF is the most common cause of hospitalization in the
US among the elderly population w/ the costs exceeding
40 billion dollars annually
oEstimated prevalence of HF was reported by the
National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
(NAHNES)
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the data was compiled from a study dated
between 2005
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2008
▪5.7 million Americans older than 20 yrs
▪80% of these patients were older than 65
▪As of 2012, an estimated 2.4% of the US pop has HF
o50% of the reported HF cases are diastolic
oStrong correlation between hypertension and the
incidence of HF in adults older than 65
oIdentifying the key symptoms in patients
S
correlating
your PE findings in conjunction w/ utilizing the current
EBG, you can begin to understand the principles of HF
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the importance of early diagnosis in the clinical setting
Symptoms Symptoms in Patient’s Language
Fatigue Tiredness/weakness
Vertigo Lightheadedness/dizziness
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