Heart Failure Mnemonics

By : Dr. Subrahmanyam Karuturi

> LVF, Management of FOAM
Frusemide 40mg iv, Oxygen, Atrovent (& Ventolin) nebs, Morphine 2.5 - 5 mg

> Shock HEN SCAM
Hypovolaemia, Endocrine (adrenal, thyroid), Neuropathic (autonomic)
Spinal cord injury/ Sepsis, Cardiac, anapyhlaxis/ anaesthesia, anti HPT, Massive PE

> ABCDE
Treatment of Heart Failure:
ACE inhibitors; Beta-blockers; Calcium channel blockers; Diuretics; Endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitors

> Please Read His Text
Signs of cor pulmonale:
Peripheral oedema, Raised JVP, Hepatomegaly, Tricuspid incompetence

> CHF: causes of exacerbation A SMITH PEAR:
Anemia
Salt/ Stress/ Stopping meds
MI
Infection/ Ischemia
Thyroid (high/low)
HTN
Pericarditis
Endocarditis (valve disease)
Arrhythmia
Rx (beta blocker, etc)

> Heart failure: signs TAPED TORCH:
Tachycardia
Ascites
Pulsus alternans
Elevated jugular venous pressure
Displaced apex beat
Third heart sound
Oedema
Right ventricular heave
Crepitations or wheeze
Hepatomegaly (tender)

> CHF: Left-sided systolic failure signs and symptoms "Left Systolic Failure Can Have Dialated Heart Cause Of Pulmpnary Backflow":
Loss of hair on legs
Skin cold and clammy
Fatigue
Crackles
High heart rate
Dyspnea
HTN
Cyanosis
Orthopnea
Pink Sputum

> Heart failure: causes HEART FAILED:
Hypertension
Endocrine
Anemia
Rheumatic heart disease
Toxins
Failure to take meds
Arrythmia
Infection
Lung (PE, pneumonia)
Electrolytes
Diet

> CHF: causes of exacerbation FAILURE:
Forgot medication
Arrhythmia/ Anaemia
Ischemia/ Infarction/ Infection
Lifestyle: taken too much salt
Upregulation of CO: pregnancy, hyperthyroidism
Renal failure
Embolism: pulmonary

> Heart compensatory mechanisms that 'save' organ blood flow during shock "Heart SAVER":
Symphatoadrenal system
Atrial natriuretic factor
Vasopressin
Endogenous digitalis-like factor
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
· In all 5, system is activated/factor is released
 

> Heart failure causes "HEART MAy DIE":
Hypertension
Embolism
Anemia
Rheumatic heart disease
Thyrotoxicosis (incl. pregnancy)
Myocardial infarct
Arrythmia
Y
Diet & lifestyle
Infection
Endocarditis

> Shock: signs and symptoms TV SPARC CUBE:
Thirst
Vomiting
Sweating
Pulse weak
Anxious
Respirations shallow/rapid
Cool
Cyanotic
Unconscious
BP low
Eyes blank

 
  > Acute LVF management LMNOP:
Lasex (frusemide)
Morphine (diamorphine)
Nitrates
Oxygen (sit patient up)
Pulmonary ventilation (if doing badly)

> Shock: general features CHORD ITEM:
Cold, clammy skin
Hypotension
Oliguria
Rapid, shallow breathing
Drowsiness, confusion
Irritability
Tachycardia
Elevated or reduced central venous pressure
Multi-organ damage

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