Anatomy and Physiology Case Study

A 70 year old man was brought to the emergency room by his son with complaints of 3 week history of restlessness, confusion, fatigue, dyspnea, orthopnea , paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and pedal edema. According to his past medical history, he has hypertension, diabetes mellitus and is being treated for them. He suffered a myocardial infarction 1 year ago and had stent placement in the left coronary artery. On current examination, this patient has a pitting edema of his lower limbs, a soft murmur is heard while auscultating his heart and bilateral crackles are heard while auscultating his lungs.

Which sided heart failure is the patient suffering from? What are the differences between Left heart failure and right heart failure?

Define the terms Dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Why do these symptoms develop in this kind of heart failure.

What happens to the flow of blood into the body in this type of heart failure? What other symptoms does the patient suffer from due to this altered blood flow through the body?

Name at least 2 organs/parts of the body, that respond to this altered blood flow. What are the substances produced by these organs as a consequence of altered blood flow.

Describe the Renin angiotensin aldosterone axis,( including the cells and organs producing each component of the RAAS system and their actions). Also outline all the steps in a flow chart

What is the action of ADH? Where does it act and describe it's mechanism of action.

Why is the serum sodium low in this patient. Explain?

How does the nervous system respond to the altered blood flow? Explain in detail all the steps in a flow chart.

What is the treatment for this heart failure?

What are the complications, if this condition is not treated?