Heart Failure Fluid Retention Causal Loop

Heart failure fluid retention loop

This diagram presents one simplified feedback pattern in heart failure. A fall in cardiac output can reduce renal perfusion, which can increase RAAS activation and promote sodium and water retention. Retention can raise circulating volume and preload, contributing to pulmonary congestion; congestion can in turn worsen cardiac output. The diagram makes the direction of each relationship explicit and names the resulting reinforcing loop. It omits many important compensatory, treatment and patient-specific factors so that the core pattern remains readable. Use it in teaching or discussion as a starting point, and add a balancing loop only when its causal links are clear. It is not a clinical model for assessing or treating an individual patient.

Type Diagramme causalNorme Sterman, Business Dynamics (2000)Moteur schematex-causalloopMis à jour 24/09/2026

La demande

“Create a causal loop diagram for heart failure fluid retention with cardiac output, renal perfusion, RAAS activation, sodium and water retention, circulating volume, cardiac preload and pulmonary congestion. Show the reinforcing loop in which lower output promotes retention and congestion that further lowers output.”

Essayez ensuiteAdd diuretic treatment as a balancing loopAdd peripheral oedema

Ce que contient ce dessin

Comprenez les décisions qui le sous-tendent.

01Variables

Keep haemodynamic states distinct.

02Polarity

Show lower renal perfusion increasing RAAS activation.

03Loop

Trace retention through congestion to output.

04Scope

Present this as a simplified mechanism.

Use for education, not individual treatment decisions.

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FAQ

Questions fréquentes

What does RAAS activation represent?

It represents hormonal responses to reduced renal perfusion that can promote sodium and water retention.

Why is the loop reinforcing?

Reduced output can lead to retention and congestion that can further reduce output.

Can treatment be added?

Yes, a diuretic or other intervention can be modelled as a balancing influence for teaching.