Cardiovascular Diagnosis Review

Echocardiography in the case presented was used to rule the presence of heart failure by demonstrating atrial fibrillation, changes in the T-wave, and any other abnormalities present (Jozine M. ter Maaten, 2015). It was used to identify causes of the heart failure such as a block on the left bundle branch, hypertrophy of the left ventricle, any acute myocardial infarction or previous similar occurrence. When the findings are normal or minor with regards to ECG, the chances of the patient having a systolic heart failure is minimal. However, when these findings are associated with changes in T-wave that are new and atrial fibrillation, an ejection fraction of over 50%, impairment of the relaxation of the left ventricle and a decrease in its compliance, the likelihood of diastolic heart failure increases significantly (Borlaug, 2014).

Other minor manifestations can include edema at the ankles, dyspnea upon exertion, cough that is nocturnal, and pleural effusion (Bernardo, Ooi, Weeks, & McMullen, 2015). Nursing Diagnosis An increase in shortness of breath requiring BiPAP A reduction in the ability of the heart to not only fill but to also empty causes the pressure of blood within the blood vessels that are located around and within the lungs to rise. This is referred to as pulmonary hypertension and is the chief cause of shortness of breath. It is specific for heart failure when the patient experiences this when they lie down. Additionally, the patient feels a discomfort that makes want to prop up the head of their bed with numerous pillows. This occurs through three modalities, including the recruiting of the alveolar units, counterbalancing of the hydrostatic forces that cause edema within the pulmonary system, and sustaining the patency of the airway.

This is of great benefit in patients with heart failure where congestion in the pulmonary vessels impair the compliance of lungs and hinder normal breathing. In addition, when used in aiding breathing in patients with heart failure, the technique lowers the load on the muscles that aid respiration and the work they have to do in order to complete a complete cycle of respiration. It thus enhances both the function of the lungs by promoting inflation of the lungs and maintaining the residual functional capacity. Finally, the technique prevents the narrowing of the upper airways and the collapsing of these airways, thus acts as a pneumatic splint (Kato, Suda, & Kasai, 2014). It is also used as not only an effective but also safe option of controlling the rate of the ventricular rhythms in rapid atrial fibrillation.

Thus, it is use to control both the rate and rhythm of the atrial fibrillation (Klinger, et al. Use of Lasix Lasix is Furosemide. This is a diuretic acting at the loop by inhibition of the contrasporter Na+/K+/2CL- that is found on the loop of Henle (thick ascending). It diminishes the reabsorption of both sodium, chloride, and potassium by inhibiting this transporter from the renal tubule. The A1C level, lipid profile, and blood cultures are also carried out. The levels of BNP are also assessed to establish the presence of heart failure in a patient with dyspnea. These are then followed by radiography of the chest and obtaining of an echocardiogram of the patient. Once the evaluation has been done, the Framingham criteria is applied to diagnose heart failure, particularly systolic heart failure.