Heart Failure and Hemodynamics Study
Guide | Cardiac Output, Preload, Afterload
& Nursing Practice Questions
2026/2027
,Normal Central Venous Pressure (CVP) Range 2-8 mmHg
Primary Representation of CVP Reflects preload, right atrial pressure, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume.
Normal Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) 4-12 mmHg
Range
Primary Estimation of PCWP Estimates left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and filling pressure.
Clinical Indications of Elevated PCWP Severe left ventricular failure or severe mitral stenosis.
Normal Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) Range 800-1200 dynes/sec/cm⁵
Definition of SVR Afterload; systemic resistance the left ventricle overcomes to eject blood.
Definition of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) Resistance to blood flow from the pulmonary artery to left atrium.
Conditions that Increase PVR Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism.
Normal Ejection Fraction (EF) Range 55-65%
Definition of Ejection Fraction Percentage of blood ejected from left ventricle after complete contraction.
Definition of Preload Venous filling pressure returning blood to the right side of heart.
Definition of Afterload Arterial resistance the left ventricle must overcome to eject blood.
Determinants of Cardiac Output Heart rate and stroke volume (preload, afterload, contractility).
Bathtub Analogy: The Tub Represents the heart.
, Bathtub Analogy: The Faucet Represents preload.
Bathtub Analogy: The Drain Represents afterload.
Medication Classes Reviewing Preload and Afterload Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates.
Hemodynamic Effects of Beta Blockers Decrease heart rate and promote vasodilation.
Effects of ACE Inhibitors and ARBs on Loading Conditions Decrease fluid retention and prevent vasoconstriction, reducing preload and
afterload.
Hemodynamic Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers Promote vasodilation and reduce contractile force.
Primary Hemodynamic Effect of Nitrates Promote vasodilation, reducing preload and afterload while improving perfusion.
Clinical Definition of Heart Failure Syndrome where the heart fails to pump sufficient oxygenated blood to meet
demand.
Most Common Causes of Heart Failure Ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and valvular disease.
Cardiotoxic Cause of Heart Failure Chemotherapy and other cardiotoxic agents.
Inflammatory / Immune Causes of Heart Failure Rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases.
Endocrine / Metabolic Causes of Heart Failure Thyroid disease, acromegaly, pheochromocytoma, diabetes, and obesity.
Genetic Etiology of Heart Failure Familial cardiomyopathy and genetic heart diseases.
Rhythm Disturbances Causing Heart Failure Tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, and right ventricular pacing.
Infiltrative Causes of Heart Failure Amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and hemochromatosis.
Guide | Cardiac Output, Preload, Afterload
& Nursing Practice Questions
2026/2027
,Normal Central Venous Pressure (CVP) Range 2-8 mmHg
Primary Representation of CVP Reflects preload, right atrial pressure, and right ventricular end-diastolic volume.
Normal Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP) 4-12 mmHg
Range
Primary Estimation of PCWP Estimates left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and filling pressure.
Clinical Indications of Elevated PCWP Severe left ventricular failure or severe mitral stenosis.
Normal Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR) Range 800-1200 dynes/sec/cm⁵
Definition of SVR Afterload; systemic resistance the left ventricle overcomes to eject blood.
Definition of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR) Resistance to blood flow from the pulmonary artery to left atrium.
Conditions that Increase PVR Pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism.
Normal Ejection Fraction (EF) Range 55-65%
Definition of Ejection Fraction Percentage of blood ejected from left ventricle after complete contraction.
Definition of Preload Venous filling pressure returning blood to the right side of heart.
Definition of Afterload Arterial resistance the left ventricle must overcome to eject blood.
Determinants of Cardiac Output Heart rate and stroke volume (preload, afterload, contractility).
Bathtub Analogy: The Tub Represents the heart.
, Bathtub Analogy: The Faucet Represents preload.
Bathtub Analogy: The Drain Represents afterload.
Medication Classes Reviewing Preload and Afterload Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates.
Hemodynamic Effects of Beta Blockers Decrease heart rate and promote vasodilation.
Effects of ACE Inhibitors and ARBs on Loading Conditions Decrease fluid retention and prevent vasoconstriction, reducing preload and
afterload.
Hemodynamic Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers Promote vasodilation and reduce contractile force.
Primary Hemodynamic Effect of Nitrates Promote vasodilation, reducing preload and afterload while improving perfusion.
Clinical Definition of Heart Failure Syndrome where the heart fails to pump sufficient oxygenated blood to meet
demand.
Most Common Causes of Heart Failure Ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and valvular disease.
Cardiotoxic Cause of Heart Failure Chemotherapy and other cardiotoxic agents.
Inflammatory / Immune Causes of Heart Failure Rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases.
Endocrine / Metabolic Causes of Heart Failure Thyroid disease, acromegaly, pheochromocytoma, diabetes, and obesity.
Genetic Etiology of Heart Failure Familial cardiomyopathy and genetic heart diseases.
Rhythm Disturbances Causing Heart Failure Tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, and right ventricular pacing.
Infiltrative Causes of Heart Failure Amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and hemochromatosis.
