Feline Congestive Heart Failure Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome in which the heart fails to maintain adequate cardiac output to meet the body's metabolic demands, resulting in fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or thoracic/abdominal cavities (pleural effusion, ascites). In cats, CHF is most commonly caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which affects up to 15% of the domestic cat population. Unlike dogs, cats with CHF more frequently present with pleural effusion rather than pulmonary edema alone.

CHF represents a significant category on the NAVLE, requiring understanding of pathophysiology, clinical recognition, diagnostic approach, and emergency stabilization. Early recognition and appropriate management can significantly improve survival and quality of life.

Pathophysiology of Feline CHF

Understanding Cardiac Function

The heart functions as a pump with four chambers. The left side receives oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumps it systemically, while the right side receives deoxygenated blood and pumps it to the lungs. Heart failure develops when either side cannot effectively pump blood forward.