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Why you should read this article: • To familiarise yourself with the physiology involved in chronic heart failure • To understand the signs and symptoms that accompany chronic heart failure • To update your knowledge of the common medicines used to treat chronic heart failure Chronic heart failure is a progressive and life-limiting syndrome that is caused by a failure of the heart to pump blood around the body effectively. It frequently leads to a range of distressing symptoms, such as breathlessness, fatigue and fluid retention. Chronic heart failure can be caused by a variety of cardiac diseases, but is commonly linked to coronary heart disease and hypertension. In response to these, the body initiates a series of compensatory mechanisms, which ultimately become maladaptive, and the manipulation of these mechanisms is the cornerstone of pharmacological management of the condition. This article explains the compensatory mechanisms that occur in chronic heart failure and outlines the medicines commonly used in its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of the physiology of post-operative haemorrhage • To understand the compensatory mechanisms seen during haemorrhage and how these present as altered observations • To familiarise yourself with the interventions used to halt haemorrhage and restore intravascular volume Improved surgical outcomes have been achieved as a result of preoperative risk assessments and developments in surgical and anaesthetic techniques. However, post-operative haemorrhage remains a life-threatening complication requiring swift recognition and management. This article explores the compensatory mechanisms the body employs during haemorrhage and how these may present as altered observations that can aid early recognition. It also describes the rapid assessment of patients using the ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) approach and outlines the management interventions used to halt the bleeding and restore intravascular volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic heart failure is a common and complex clinical syndrome that results from impaired cardiac relaxation or contraction. Patients with chronic heart failure may experience multiple debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and peripheral oedema. However, breathlessness may be considered the most debilitating symptom. This is the first of two articles on chronic heart failure, and outlines the pathophysiology of the condition, its causes, assessment, and signs and symptoms. Part 2 will discuss the treatment and management of the condition, including pharmacological strategies, device implantation, lifestyle modification, cardiac rehabilitation and palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study regarding the critical elements of hyperkalemia. Topics discussed include the epidemiology and pathophysiology of hyperkalemia, the impact of hyperkalemia on the patients with cardiovascular and renal disease and the role of pharmacist in the minimization of risks associated with its treatment. It also presents figure and table depicting the mechanism of action of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and management of acute hyperkalemia.

This article discusses the clinical features of haemorrhagic shock and the strategies used to manage the condition, focusing on the presenting symptoms, classifications, compensatory mechanisms, physiological changes and nursing interventions. Haemorrhagic shock is a condition of reduced tissue perfusion as a result of the inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular function. The condition is secondary to large-volume blood loss, often associated with trauma or complications following surgical or medical procedures. Identifying and stopping the source of the uncontrolled bleeding is essential. Because of the life-threatening nature of the condition, it is important that haemorrhagic shock is identified promptly and appropriate management is commenced without delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, which forms part of the life sciences series, describes the vessels of the body's blood and lymphatic circulatory systems. Blood pressure and its regulatory systems are examined. The causes and management of hypertension are also explored. It is important that nurses and other healthcare professionals understand the various mechanisms involved in the regulation of blood pressure to prevent high blood pressure or ameliorate its damaging consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of renin antagonists to control hypertension. Renin is being secreted by the kidneys in response to low arterial pressure and helps in controlling the rate-limiting step in the renin angiotensin system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aliskiren (Tekturna) as treatment for hypertension alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

The article focuses on a study appeared in the periodical "American Journal of Pathology" regarding renin angiotensin system (RAS). It mentions the impact of diabetic retinopathy in mouse model due to presence of untreated hyperglycemia. It also presents the views of Maria B. Grant, from Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute of Indiana University, regarding the same.

The article offers information on Valturna (aliskerin/valsartan) from Novartis Pharmaceutical which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of high blood pressure. The drug is a combination product which inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system at different locations. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

The article reports on the study that found certain antihypertensive drugs can retard the progression of diabetic retinopathy. It states that the researchers have established a 70 percent efficacy in the administration of the drug losartan compared to other types of placebos. It notes that optometrist Paul Chous has agreed that blocking the renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) can prevent or minimize the blood vessel complications of diabetic retinopathy.

The article reports on the approval of aliskiren as a new class of antihypertensives that inhibits the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by directly targeting the renin enzyme. RAS inhibition are offered indirectly by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). The direct renin inhibition of aliskiren offers an improved mechanism for controlling elevated blood pressure (BP).