Aging itself weakens the heart and decreases its pumping action. Dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that occurs when the ventricle dilates and its walls thin, decreases contractility. Dilated cardiomyopathy may be idiopathic or caused by hypertension, toxins, collagen vascular disease, or a viral infection. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy indicates a thickened ventricular wall with poorly functioning muscle fibers. Mitral and aortic valve disease and septal defects can cause acute HF by interfering with forward blood flow and ventricular filling.
Pulmonary disease can cause right ventricular hypertrophy and failure.
Ms. Martin is obese and admits she doesn't eat right or move around as much as she should. Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring and arterial blood gas levels are also appropriate for her respiratory symptoms. These findings confirm the diagnosis of left ventricular failure. Treating the cause Your immediate focus is to help improve Ms. Martin's functional capacity. You'll administer drug therapy and supplemental oxygen, provide rest, and restrict her sodium intake.