Heart Failure

🚨 Symptoms

Dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, fatigue, edema (dependent, pulmonary), jugular venous distension, crackles in lungs

🔍 Causes

Coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, previous MI, diabetes, thyroid disorders

💊 Treatment

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics (furosemide), aldosterone antagonists, digoxin; lifestyle modifications (low-sodium diet, fluid restriction, daily weights)

📝 Nursing Care

Monitor daily weights, intake/output, assess for edema and breath sounds, educate on sodium restriction, medication adherence, signs of worsening condition

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.