Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
03:47
Author Spotlight: Workflow for Integrating POCUS Data into EHR for Managing Heart Failure Patients
Published on: July 12, 2024
1.1K
Systolic Heart Failure: An Update for Home Healthcare Clinicians.
Teri Capriotti1, Breanna Ashline
1Teri Capriotti, DO, MSN, CRNP, is a Clinical Associate Professor, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Breanna Ashline, BSN, is an Honors Student, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Home Healthcare Now
|November 6, 2019
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern. This review covers the pathophysiology and treatment of HF, offering insights for home care clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a major public health issue with increasing prevalence.
- Aging population and improved survival post-cardiac events contribute to HF rise.
- HF involves cardiac disorders impairing ventricular filling or ejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of heart failure.
- To discuss current treatment strategies for heart failure.
- To explore implications for home care clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of heart failure pathophysiology.
- Synthesis of current heart failure treatment guidelines.
- Discussion of clinical implications for home care.
Main Results:
- Systolic HF characterized by diminished left ventricular contractility (ejection fraction < 40%).
- Comprehensive understanding of HF pathophysiology is crucial for effective management.
- Evidence-based treatments are available to manage HF symptoms and progression.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure management requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Home care clinicians play a vital role in HF patient support.
- Continued research is needed to improve HF outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
381
The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
381
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
220
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
220
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
186
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
186
01:29Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management
277
Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
277
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
638
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
638
01:28Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management
272
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole. This condition can arise from various causes, including rheumatic fever, infective endocarditis, or degenerative valve disease. Effective nursing management is crucial to optimizing patient outcomes and involves comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed...
272