Pediatric Nursing Demystified

CHAPTER 6/ Cardiovascular Conditions^93

in place between the chambers of the heart to prevent blood flow backward

into the chamber after being pushed forward. The contraction of heart muscle

is regulated by an electrical system that controls the speed at which the heart

beats. If the tissues of the body require additional oxygen, the heart rate is

increased.

Congestive Heart Failure

What Went Wrong?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the inability or failure of the cardiovascular

system to provide adequate cardiac output to meet the metabolic demand of

the body. CHF usually occurs secondary to congenital heart defects in which

there are structural abnormalities leading to increased pressure or volume load

to the ventricles.

1

Aorta

Superior

vena cava

Pulmonary

valve

Right

atrium

lnferior

vena cava

Right ventricle Papillary muscles

Orifices of

coronary

arteries

Left ventricle

Aortic valve

Mitral valve

Left atrium

Pulmonary trunk

Tricuspid

valve

FIGURE 6-2A