Changes

Coughing, dyspnea, tachypnea, orthopnea, exercise intolerance, syncope, lethargy, peripheral oedma, ascites, mucous membrane colour and weight loss are all clinical signs that may be caused by heart disease, but may also have other causes. There may also be a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds, which is normal. Over 3 seconds is abnormal. Pale mucous membranes suggest poor peripheral circulation due to vasoconstriction, decreased hemoglobin in the blood ([[anaemia]]), or [[shock]]. Cyanosis suggests adequate hemoglobin, but inadequate oxygenation. This can be seen with pleural effusion/pulmonary oedema - right to left shunt within the circulation causing deoxygenated blood to mix with oxygenated blood.  

Coughing, dyspnea, tachypnea, orthopnea, exercise intolerance, syncope, lethargy, peripheral oedma, ascites, mucous membrane colour and weight loss are all clinical signs that may be caused by heart disease, but may also have other causes. There may also be a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds, which is normal. Over 3 seconds is abnormal. Pale mucous membranes suggest poor peripheral circulation due to vasoconstriction, decreased hemoglobin in the blood ([[anaemia]]), or [[shock]]. Cyanosis suggests adequate hemoglobin, but inadequate oxygenation. This can be seen with pleural effusion/pulmonary oedema - right to left shunt within the circulation causing deoxygenated blood to mix with oxygenated blood.  

Signs of heart failure are directly related to [[Hear Failure - Pathophysiology|which side is affected]]. The above signs are characteristic of cardiac problems, but can also be the signs of other diseases involving different body systems therefore a good physical exam including signalment, history, observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are necessary to identify true cardiac problems.  

Signs of heart failure are directly related to [[Heart Failure - Pathophysiology|which side is affected]]. The above signs are characteristic of cardiac problems, but can also be the signs of other diseases involving different body systems therefore a good physical exam including signalment, history, observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are necessary to identify true cardiac problems.  

== Physical Exam  ==

== Physical Exam  ==

[[Category:Heart_Failure]] [[Category:Expoert_Review]]

[[Category:Heart_Failure]] [[Category:Expert_Review]]