high output cardiac failure

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Fungi121

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2012
Messages
65
Reaction score
3
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. :/

Members don't see this ad.
 
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!
 
Last edited:
Top