Assignment Task:
Hello everyone,
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart cannot effectively circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs. It occurs due to structural or functional issues that disrupt the heart's ability to fill or eject blood properly. The pathophysiology of HF involves neurohormonal activation, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system, leading to fluid retention, vasoconstriction, and myocardial remodeling (McDonagh et al., 2021).
Janessa's symptoms, such as shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness, may suggest HF, as reduced cardiac output and impaired tissue perfusion contribute to these manifestations. However, the absence of lung congestion and the presence of pale mucous membranes are not typical HF symptoms. HF is often associated with pulmonary congestion, which presents crackles on auscultation and symptoms like orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. The finding of pale mucous membranes suggests a different underlying cause such as anemia.
While HF may partially explain Janessa's symptoms, the lack of fluid retention, including edema or pulmonary congestion, makes it a less likely primary diagnosis. However, anemia and HF can coexist, as anemia increases cardiac workload and reduces oxygen delivery, exacerbating HF symptoms (Groenewegen et al., 2020).
For my peer's assigned asthma, you might suggest that Janessa's shortness of breath is due to airway obstruction and inflammation. However, her clear lung sounds and absence of wheezing do not strongly support an asthma diagnosis. Need Assignment Help?
Diagnostic testing that would be most appropriate to investigate HF:
B-type Natriuretic Peptide: Elevated levels indicate HF.
Echocardiogram: This assesses left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and structural abnormalities.
Electrocardiogram: Identifies arrhythmias or ischemic changes.
Chest X-ray: Detects pulmonary congestion or cardiomegaly.
Complete Blood Count: Evaluates for anemia, which may contribute to her symptoms.
Serum Electrolytes and Renal Function Tests: Assess complications related to HF, such as hyponatremia or kidney dysfunction.
Groenewegen, A., Rutten, F. H., Mosterd, A., & Hoes, A. W. (2020). Epidemiology of heart failure. European Journal of Heart Failure, 22(8), 1342-1356.
McDonagh, T. A., Metra, M., Adamo, M., Gardner, R. S., Baumbach, A., Böhm, M., ... & Anker, S. D. (2021). 2021 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal, 42(36), 3599-3726.