Compensatory Mechanisms in Heart Failure

A 72-year-old female patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure. The medical history reveals that she has a significantly reduced ejection fraction (EF) of less than 40%. Her vital signs show elevated blood pressure and heart rate. The nurse recognizes that the reduced ejection fraction indicates a compromised ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to

the accumulation of fluids in the lungs and peripheral tissues. Based on the underlying condition of heart failure and its pathophysiology, fill in the blank:

The compensatory mechanisms include increased heart rate and

_________ (fill in the blank) to enhance cardiac output but can lead to further complications if not managed properly.