Heart Failure Basics
The name for when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs
What is Heart Failure?
A common first-line drug class that relaxes blood vessels (e.g., Lisinopril)
What are ACE inhibitors?
The main mineral to limit in a heart-healthy diet to reduce fluid retention
What is sodium (salt)?
The percentage of blood pumped out with each beat, used to classify HF
What is Ejection Fraction (EF)?
The 5M's in Heart Failure Rehabilitation
What is Matters Most, Mobility, Medications, Mind, and Multicomplexity?
Common symptoms of Heart Failure include swollen ankles and shortness of breath, especially when lying down
What are edema and dyspnea?
This class of drugs slows the heart rate and reduces its workload (e.g., Metoprolol)
What are beta-blockers?
Daily monitoring of this vital sign helps track fluid balance.
What is weight?
A blood test for heart strain, often elevated in HF.
What is BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)?
Comorbid conditions fall into this "M" group
What is Multicomplexity?
This common condition damages blood vessels and is a major cause of HF
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Definition for taking more than 5 medications
What is polypharmacy?
A key lifestyle change, alongside diet, to improve heart function.
What is regular (moderate) exercise?
An ultrasound of the heart used for diagnosis.
What is an Echo?
The 3 "D's" associated with the Mind
What is Delirium, Dementia, Depression?
A common medication that helps your body get rid of extra fluid
What are diuretics?
A device that can help patients with severe HF by taking over some of the heart's pumping function
What is a Ventricular Assist Device(VAD)?
This liquid intake often needs to be restricted with worsening HF
What is fluid/water?
This physical assessment finding indicates right atrial pressure and fluid overload
What is Jugular Vein Distention (JVD)?
3 elements associated with "Matters Most"
What are Advanced Directives, Meaningful Health Goals, Care preferences?
Estimation of individuals with diagnosis of HF worldwide
What is over 60 million individuals?
This electrolyte must be closely monitored when patients take loop diuretics
What is potassium?
Approximate percentage of HF patients that are frail
What is 50%?
This subjective assessment is especially helpful in heart failure patients who are taking beta blockers
What is Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)?
Timeframe when patients are most at risk for rehospitalization
What is the first 30 days?