Heart Failure
Pathophysiology
The main pathophysiology of heart failure is the inefficiency of the heart muscle. There are several causes of heart muscle ineffectiveness. These include Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), hypertension, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and myocardial infarction. For Instance, CHD leads to a shortage of blood supply to the heart muscle resulting in tissue damage (Wright & Thomas, 2018). Cardiac arrhythmia is another pathophysiological mechanism. This describes the improper beating of the heart. It results from improperly working electrical signals of the heart.
Systolic and Diastolic Heart Dysfunction
Systolic heart dysfunction is a condition where the left ventricle does not contract completely. The result is a lower ejection fraction. Diastolic heart dysfunction, on the other hand, is when the left ventricle no longer relaxes (Wright & Thomas, 2018). Hence, it does not fill up with blood.
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Order Paper NowSigns and Symptoms
The shortness of breath is due to limited oxygen absorption into the blood vessels. Systolic heart failure causes fluid to build up in the lungs. The fluid interferes with the gaseous exchange in the alveoli. The condition may be worse at night. This is because lying down allows the fluid in the lungs to flow by gravity. Hence, this fluid covers more surface area of the alveoli. This explains the awakening in the middle of the night. Propping herself on three pillows allows the fluid to flow down the lungs where they cover a lesser surface area of the lungs. This improves breathing.
Points of teaching for the Patient
One of the teaching points is learning to recognize the symptoms of heart failure. This will ensure that she seeks prompt medical attention. Secondly, she has to make lifestyle improvements (Inamdar, & Inamdar, 2016). Some of these include taking a healthier diet, weight monitoring, and undertaking the right kind of physical activity.
References
Inamdar, A. A., & Inamdar, A. C. (2016). Heart failure: Diagnosis, Management, and Utilization. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 5(7), 62.
Wright, P., & Thomas, M. (2018). Pathophysiology and Management of Heart Failure. The Pharmaceutical Journal. Retrieved from https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/cpd-and-learning/cpd-article/pathophysiology-and-management-of-heart-failure/20205742.cpdarticle
