Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

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Video Runtime: 15 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 31 Minutes

Among Medicare patients with heart failure (HF), it is estimated that 1 in 4 are readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge. This HF certificate program consists of seven modules and is aimed at nurses, therapists, and case managers working in all healthcare settings. Home care clinicians in particular must possess a high level of knowledge to effectively assess and monitor for signs of worsening HF, and all clinicians have responsibility for patient and family education. The first course in this series focuses on helping clinicians understand how blood flows through both the normal and the failing heart. The differences between systolic and diastolic HF are explained. Clinicians will benefit from a greater understanding of two types of heart failure, stages of HF, and how the body compensates for the failing heart.

Meet your instructor

Lisa A. Gorski

Lisa A. Gorski has worked for 40 years as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and educator for Wheaton Franciscan Home Health & Hospice, now part of Ascension at Home, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a CNS, she has played a key role in the home infusion therapy program, contributing to clinician education, policy and procedure…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Blood Flow Through the Heart

Anatomy and blood flow from the body through the heart are described with the use of animation. Understanding basic anatomy aids the clinician in understanding signs and symptoms associated with heart failure (HF).

2. Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure

The definition, scope, and stages of HF are explored in this chapter. Systolic HF (HF with reduced ejection fraction) and diastolic HF (HF with preserved ejection fraction) are defined.

3. Compensatory Mechanisms in Heart Failure

Any reduction in cardiac output is met by a series of compensatory mechanisms to maintain circulation. Responses by the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are explained in this chapter.

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