1. The heart is unable to generate an adequate cardiac output resulting in inadequate perfusion of tissues or increased diastolic filling pressure of the left or right ventricle
1.1. Abnormal mitochondrial energy production is linked to in many symptoms found in individuals of heart failure.Multiple genetic polymorphisms have been linked to an increase risk, including genes for cardiomyopathies, sarcomere proteins, and neurohumoral receptors
1.1.1. There are multipe risk factors that increase the risk of having a diagnosis of heart failure
1.1.1.1. Signs and Symptoms
1.1.1.1.1. shortness of breath-especially while laying flat
1.1.1.1.2. rapid or irregular heartrate
1.1.1.1.3. persistent productive cough
1.1.1.1.4. pitting edema of the lower extremities
1.1.1.1.5. fatigue
1.1.1.2. Diagnostis and Testing
1.1.1.2.1. use of medical history and presenting signs and symptoms
1.1.1.2.2. chest x-ray to evaluate the presentation of the heart
1.1.1.2.3. Echocardiogram to evaluate the size and structure of the heart valves-ejection fraction is also evaluated during this test to calculate the percentage of blood being pushed out of the heart each time
1.1.1.2.4. Lab testing is done. Labs such as BNP, potassium, sodium, troponins
1.1.1.3. Treatment
1.1.1.3.1. Education on lifestyle changes such as diet changes to decrease sodium intake.
1.1.1.3.2. Increase physical exercise-Consider referral to a physical therapist to educate on an appropraite exercise regimen
1.1.1.3.3. Diuretics such as Lasix or Spirinolactone can help with preventing fluid build up to assist with less shortness of breath
1.1.1.3.4. ACE Inhibitors such as Lisinopril or Zestril will relax the vessels of the heart and decrease the strain on the heart
1.1.1.3.5. ARNIs are used in heart failure with decreased ejection fraction
1.1.1.3.6. Consider referral to cardiology
1.1.2. Coronary Artery Disease
1.1.3. High blood pressure
1.1.4. Type 2 diabetes
1.1.5. Smoking
1.1.6. Obesity