Key Concepts

• Inability of heart to pump enough blood is the major cause of Heart failure

• CAD, hypertension, valve disease, cardiomyopathy is the main causes of HF

• There are two types of HFrEF (systolic) and HFpEF (diastolic)

• Several medications like ACEI, Beta blockers, diuretics etc are used

• Lifestyle modifications such as reduced salt use in diet, moderate exercise, and fluid control can be useful.

• Regular monitoring is crucial

• Pharmacists are essential part of central to dose optimization

• Expect integrated pharmacotherapy & patient care questions in OPRA

Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment 2025 exam is an assessment exam conducted by the Australian Pharmacy Council. This exam evaluates the overseas pharmacists readiness to practice in Australia with safety and effectiveness.. Pharmacists must understand its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic management to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based care in Australia. For that the core topics of the OPRA exam is designed in such a way to include the major concepts of pharmacy like “Heart Failure”

The condition reflects how pharmacists integrate clinical judgment, pharmacotherapy, and patient education skills highly emphasized in the OPRA exam.

What Is Heart Failure?

A build up of blood in the lungs due to the insufficiency of proper pumping causes shortness of breath. This is normally caused when the heart muscles are not able to pump enough blood. This can be caused by conditions like narrowed arteries or high blood pressure. Other issues like fatigue, fluid build up in the legs, abdomen and lungs can also be seen in heart failure patients.

It is a cardiovascular disorder which is chronic in nature caused due to various conditions such as weakened heart muscles. It can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes and in progressed cases heart transplant.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

The symptoms vary depending on which side of the heart is affected. It can appear slowly or start suddenly. Understanding the early symptoms are very essential for a pharmacist who works in close contact with patients. It will help to identify the issue and support it with appropriate treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• While doing an activity, there is a shortness of breath

• Fatigue and weakness

• Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen

• Persistent coughing or wheezing

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Wheezing

• A cough that doesn't go away

• Weight gain due to fluid retention

Bluish or grayish skin (cyanosis)

What are the main causes of heart failure?

There are different cardiovascular conditions that can contribute to the development of heart failure.

The main reasons are:

• The most common cause of restricted blood flow to heart muscle is due to Coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Due to high blood pressure or hypertension, the condition forces the heart to work more which will eventually lead to weakening.

• Another cause is some heart valve disease which results in increased cardiac workload.

• There must be some structural or functional disease of the heart muscles such as Cardiomyopathy

• History of a Previous heart attack or Myocardial infarction which Causes permanent damage and scarring of heart tissue.

Types of Heart Failure

Classification is based on the pumping efficiency of the heart. They are:

In the OPRA exam, understanding the difference between HFrEF and HFpEF plays a crucial role.

What is the Pathophysiology of heart failure: An overview

The pathophysiology of heart disease involves atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in arteries. It will lead to narrowing and inflammation of arteries which will eventually lead to heart failure.

When there is a reduced function by the heart muscles, they compensate that with increasing the size, muscle mass and filling pressure. This will eventually lead to fluid retention, worsening dysfunction, symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Diagnosis and Investigations

Pharmacists should know how heart failure is diagnosed and monitored.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Echocardiogram

• Biomarkers to assess severity

• ECG and chest X-ray

• Check renal function and electrolytes

Treatment and Management

1. With medication

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Limit the intake of sodium & fluid intake in diet

• Reduce the physical activity

• Avoid smoking cessation and alcohol consumption

• detect fluid retention in the body and treat it and avoid gaining weight

3. Devices and Advanced Therapies

• To control the heart rhythm control or severe systolic dysfunction

• For selected patients, doctors suggest Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)

• To Improve endurance and patient confidence, Cardiac rehabilitation is done.

Conclusion:

Passing the OPRA Exam needs proper preparation and a strategic approach for such important topics like “heart failure”. Elite Expertise is the best online educational platform for pharmacists who are preparing for various licensure exams

At Elite Expertise, we comprehensively cover these rare yet critical conditions in our OPRA coaching. Our trainers, Mr Arief Mohammad and Mrs Harika Bheemavarpu, are accredited clinical consultants in Australia who bring real-life clinical experience into every virtual class. Their case-based teaching approach helps students understand not only the theory but also its practical, real-world application, ensuring they are exam-ready and confident in practising pharmacy in Australia.

About the Author

Krupa Karamchand

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Krupa Karamchand is a B. Pharm graduate and KAPS-qualified pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. As an experienced SEO content writer, she combines her in-depth healthcare knowledge with proven digital strategies to create informative, engaging, and search engine–optimized blogs. Krupa is passionate about making complex medical topics easy to understand and accessible to all readers.

Follow On