This course is divided into seven detailed units, each providing critical insights into different aspects of managing congestive cardiac failure.
Unit 1: Introduction to Congestive Cardiac Failure
This unit covers the basics of congestive cardiac failure, introducing the pathophysiology and clinical presentation. Participants will learn about the common symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and peripheral edema. The classification of CCF is explained, focusing on heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The importance of early diagnosis and prevention strategies is also discussed.
Unit 2: Diagnosis
This unit provides an in-depth look at diagnosing congestive cardiac failure, including the use of echocardiography, electrocardiograms (ECG), and biomarkers such as BNP and NT-proBNP. It emphasizes the importance of differentiating between HFrEF and HFpEF and explains how to interpret clinical signs like elevated jugular venous pressure and pulmonary congestion.
Unit 3: Causes of Heart Failure
Participants will explore the various causes of heart failure, categorized into myocyte damage, abnormal loading conditions, and arrhythmias. The module covers common causes like ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and valvular disease, along with less frequent causes such as genetic disorders and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.
Unit 4: Management
This unit provides comprehensive guidance on the management of CCF, focusing on pharmacological treatments like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. It also covers the use of diuretics, self-management strategies, and advanced therapies such as cardiac electronic devices and surgical interventions.
Unit 5: Co-morbidities
CCF often coexists with other conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. This unit outlines how to manage these comorbidities effectively while balancing heart failure treatment. It highlights the importance of addressing these issues to prevent exacerbations and improve overall patient outcomes.
Unit 6: Acute Heart Failure
This unit focuses on the management of acute heart failure, a medical emergency. It covers immediate treatments such as diuretics, vasodilators, and non-invasive ventilation, and explains how to identify and treat the underlying causes of acute decompensation. Participants will also learn how to stabilize patients and decide when hospitalization is necessary.
Unit 7: End-Stage Heart Failure
The final unit discusses the palliative care and management of end-stage heart failure. It covers how to recognize when a patient is in the terminal phase and offers guidance on managing symptoms such as dyspnea, pain, and anxiety. This unit emphasizes the importance of advance care planning and ensuring that patients receive appropriate end-of-life care.
This course equips healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively manage patients with congestive cardiac failure at every stage of the disease, from diagnosis to end-of-life care.
All degree qualified medical practitioners.
