Author Question: Explain how chronic, severe ischemia can eventually lead to CHF. What will be an ideal ... (Read 114 times)

jCorn1234 · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Explain how chronic, severe ischemia can eventually lead to CHF.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the difference between a permanent pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator? Can you see a purpose for a combination device?

What will be an ideal response?

flexer1n1 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Severe ischemia affects the heart's ability to pump adequately because decreased oxygen causes muscle weakness and over a period of time, muscle damage. Weak muscles cannot pump adequately, allowing fluid to accumulate throughout the cardiovascular system (congestion).

Answer to Question 2

A permanent pacemaker is used to correct the pace of the heart in patients with a consistent, ongoing arrhythmia (typically a bradycardia). An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is used to prevent sudden cardiac death caused by rare, episodic, lethal arrhythmias. An ICD monitors the heart rhythm and fires an electrical impulse when it senses fibrillation or tachycardia. Patients with ongoing dysthymias who are also at risk of sudden cardiac death from fibrillation would benefit from a combination device.