Final answer:
The body compensates for heart failure through mechanisms such as sympathetic nervous system activation, peripheral vasoconstriction, and fluid/sodium retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heart failure occurs when the pumping action of the heart is impaired, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues. To compensate for heart failure, the body employs several mechanisms:
- Activation of the sympathetic nervous system: This increases heart rate and contractility to improve cardiac output.
- Peripheral vasoconstriction: This helps maintain blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and redirecting blood to vital organs.
- Retention of fluid and sodium: The kidneys may retain these substances to increase blood volume and restore cardiac output.