🫁 Cardiorenal Syndrome Simulator

Reduced Cardiac Output Starts the Cycle

A weakened heart pumps less blood forward with each contraction.

• ↓: Ejection fraction (Placeholder metric)
• ↓: Stroke volume (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Neurohormonal activation (RAAS/SNS placeholder)
• ↑: Venous congestion (Placeholder metric)

Failing pump reduces forward flow

Placeholder: reduced contractility lowers cardiac output.

Placeholder callout: low output triggers compensatory neurohormonal activation.

Decreased Renal Perfusion Follows Low Output

Less forward flow means less blood reaching the kidneys.

• ↓: Renal blood flow (Placeholder metric)
• ↓: Perfusion pressure (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Renal vasoconstriction (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Venous renal congestion (Placeholder metric)

Forward and backward flow both hurt kidneys

Placeholder: low arterial flow plus venous congestion reduce perfusion.

Placeholder callout: both low-flow and congestive mechanisms matter.

Renal Dysfunction — Rising Creatinine

Reduced perfusion injures nephrons and filtration declines.

• ↑: Creatinine (Placeholder metric)
• ↓: eGFR (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Sodium retention (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Uremic toxin buildup (Placeholder metric)

Nephron injury reduces filtration capacity

Placeholder: sustained hypoperfusion causes tubular and glomerular injury.

Placeholder callout: rising creatinine signals worsening cardiorenal interaction.

Diuretic Resistance Complicates Treatment

Poor renal function blunts diuretic delivery and effect.

• ↓: Diuretic delivery (Placeholder metric)
• ↓: Natriuretic response (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Loop diuretic dose needed (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Rebound sodium retention (Placeholder metric)

Reduced GFR limits diuretic action at the tubule

Placeholder: less drug reaches its site of action in the nephron.

Placeholder callout: escalating doses may worsen renal injury further.

Vicious Cycle and the Management Balance

Fluid overload strains the heart, closing the loop between organs.

• ↑: Fluid overload (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Cardiac preload/afterload (Placeholder metric)
• context: Ultrafiltration use (Placeholder metric)
• ↑: Combined organ risk (Placeholder metric)

Balancing decongestion against renal perfusion

Placeholder: therapy must weigh diuresis benefit against renal strain.

Placeholder callout: management requires balancing both organs simultaneously.