Frank’s notes suggest he may have acute HF, lets examine some other causes of acute HF.
| Common causes of acute HF | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Precipitating factor | Rationale |
| Ischaemic heart disease (also known as coronary artery or coronary heart disease) |
|
When the cardiac muscle is damaged or has any insult, it can become less competent in its pumping action, leading to acute HF |
| Valvular |
|
When the valves do not work effectively and allow blood to move unchecked within the heart the pumping action can become affected |
| Circulatory failure |
|
When the body’s other systems endure insult or injury, the heart must work harder to compensate and if overwhelmed or prolonged this can lead to acute HF |
| Arrythmias |
|
If the rhythm of the heart is disturbed for any reason, the pumping action of the heart becomes less uniform and can lead to acute heart failure |
| Decompensation of pre-existing chronic heart failure |
|
Early recognition of signs and symptoms of heart failure as discussed within self management can reduce the risk of acute heart failure. However some of these precipitating factors can be due to additional co morbidities or lifestyle issues.
Non compliance with medications (specifically diuretics) is a common cause of increasing symptoms including fluid retention. Establishing a rapport with patients and discussing this aspect specifically is important in increasing concordance. |
Reference: ESC Acute and Chronic Heart Failure Guidelines
Page last reviewed: 28 Jul 2020
