2. WHAT IS ACUTE LVF?
Sudden onset of dyspnoea at rest or worsening of dyspnoea of pre-existing chronic CCF
Occur in patients with a cardiac condition
Not a disease but a syndrome and complication of heart disease
ETIOLOGY
MI
Cardiac tamponade
Pulmonary edema
Mitral stenosis
3. SYMPTOMS
1. Patient present with sudden onset of dyspnea (shortness of breath) at rest
2. Orthopnea and severe respiratory distress also seen
3. Cough, wheezing, pink frothy sputum also seen.
4. INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND
MANAGEMENT
AIRWAY
Is the airway clear?
sputum production makes breathing difficult-suction can be provided
BREATHING
If patient able to sit ,do so
Check resp rate, o2 saturations, and do respiratory examination
- jvp increased, rr inc,o2 sat decreased
O2 inhalation-start immediately, using facemask or nasal probes
6. MANAGEMENT-SEDATIVES
Give mild sedative like Alprazolam if needed
Morphine: Given as slow IV injection.
Repeated at 15 min interval till patient sedated or relieved from
dyspnea.
7. MANAGEMENT-LOOP DIURETICS
FUROSEMIDE IV 40mg is given
First line of treatment
It will act by vasodilation and diuresis
It will reduce preload and ventricular filling pressure
Bumetanide and torsemide can also be used
8. Management-nitrates
Indications; in acute lvf other than due to aortic stenosis
◦ Eg ; 1. isosorbide dinitrate,orally,10mg,thrice daily
2. Nitroglycerin, iv
Monitoring of bp required to avoid hypotension
Headache also limit usage
11. LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS
1. Do proper exercise regularly: Brisk walking, cycling, jogging, playing tennis, jumping rope,
etc. Start with mild exercise and elaborate over days.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Lose weight: plan diet accordingly and do proper exercise.
4. Eat heart healthy food: Fresh fruit and vegetables
Low fat diaries
Food rich in omega 3 fatty acids like salmon
and mackeral
Plant based oils like olive oils.
Berries, grains, walnuts.
12. LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS
5. Avoid : Red meat, fried food, butter, junk foods, gravy, etc.
6. Include chocolate in diet.
7. Don’t exert stress: Do yoga, meditation, massages, etc to relieve
stress.
8. Limit alcohols and fluids.