high output cardiac failure

[Fungi121]

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I've tried looking at multiple resources but I can't wrap my head around this. Can someone explain what high output cardiac failure is?

Is it failure to maintain a high cardiac output? Or failure caused by maintaining a high cardiac output for too long? I'm having trouble. :/

 

[Transposony]

You are on the right track.
Heart has a hard time keeping up with the increased venous return from whatever cause (e.g. AV fistula, anemia, sepsis etc) leading to back pressure and pulmonary edema.

Goljan described it very well:
Heart asks the blood (venous return)-What are you doing here so soon? Didn't I pump you out just now?
Blood (venous return) embarrassingly responds -The arterioles are dilated!

 

[Fungi121]

AHHH perfect! Thanks so much!