In heart failure, the heart can no longer pump enough blood around the body. The heart muscle is either too weak or not elastic enough. Different parts of the heart may be affected too. The type of medication people use for the treatment of heart failure will depend on the type of heart failure they have. Show
Heart failure often only affects the left or right side of the heart, but can affect both. Doctors differentiate between three types of heart failure, accordingly:
Left-sided heart failure is usually caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), a heart attack or long-term high blood pressure. Right-sided heart failure generally develops as a result of advanced left-sided heart failure, and is then treated in the same way. It is sometimes caused by high blood pressure in the lungs, an embolism in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), or certain lung diseases such as COPD. Classification based on pumping abilityNowadays, heart failure is increasingly being classified based on the pumping ability of the heart. This is because the pumping ability plays an important role when choosing the most suitable medication. There are two types of heart failure here:
Heart failure with reduced pumping ability is sometimes referred to as “systolic” heart failure, and heart failure with preserved pumping ability is also known as “diastolic” heart failure. The systolic phase of the cardiac cycle is the phase when the heart contracts (squeezes), and the diastolic phase is when the heart relaxes and widens. Classification based on course of the diseaseHeart failure can develop suddenly, for instance after a heart attack or due to certain heart rhythm problems. This is known as acute heart failure. But it usually develops gradually over time as a result of a different medical problem, such as permanently high blood pressure. This is known as chronic heart failure. Sources
What is Right-Sided Heart Failure?Right-sided, or right ventricular, heart failure is defined as a process, not a disease. This conditions is also know as cor pulmonale. It often occurs when the weakened and/or stiff left ventricle loses the ability to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body. As a result, fluid is forced back through the lungs, weakening the heart’s right side, causing right-sided heart failure. This backward flow backs up in the veins, causing fluid to swell in the legs, ankles, GI tract and liver. Right-sided heart failure is also known as cor pulmonale or pulmonary heart disease. Signs and SymptomsSigns and symptoms of right-sided heart failure can range from mild to severe. A physician can determine if any of the following indications of heart failure are being caused by cor pulmonale:
If any of these right-sided heart failure symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t self- diagnose; allow a medical professional to determine if you are experiencing a life-threatening event.
CausesRight-sided heart failure is almost always caused by a problem with the left side of your heart. When the left ventricle fails, excess fluid pressure flows back through the lungs, eventually damaging the right side of your heart. In comparison, left-sided heart failure is most frequently caused by persistent high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or a heart attack. Right-sided heart failure causes can include:
In other cases, certain lung diseases like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis can cause right-sided heart failure, despite the left-side of the heart functioning normally. Risk FactorsRight-sided heart failure risk factors can include:
DiagnosisTo determine if a patient has right-sided heart failure, we use advanced technology to effectively diagnose, inform treatment and carefully monitor the condition. Diagnostic procedures and technologies can include:
PreventionWhile you cannot prevent all risk factors associated with right-sided heart failure, you can take steps to lower your risks for diseases or conditions that can cause or complicate cor pulmonale.
Treatment and RecoveryTreatment for cor pulmonale focuses on managing symptoms and treating underlying causes of the condition. A right-sided heart failure treatment plan may include medications, lifestyle changes, devices and/or surgery. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment can include: MedicationsMedications are prescribed to improve cardiac function, treat symptoms like heart rate, high blood pressure and fluid buildup to:
Your doctor may prescribe specific types of medications:
Lifestyle ChangesA few changes in lifestyle can improve the quality of life and right-sided heart failure symptoms. It is essential to follow a low-sodium, low-fat and low-cholesterol diet. Gentle aerobic exercise is also recommended. Surgery and Other ProceduresIf medications are not effective in managing right-sided heart failure, or if symptoms are severe, a ventricular-assist device implant or a heart transplant, may be necessary.
PrognosisThe prognosis for right-sided heart failure varies, depending on the cause of the condition and severity of the symptoms. Some will improve with treatment and lifestyle changes. For others, cor pulmonale can be life-threatening; and severe symptoms may require a heart transplant or implant of a ventricular assist device. ComplicationsComplications of right-sided heart failure can include:
At Baptist Health, you will appreciate timely appointments and respectful attention to your concerns, all in a positive and friendly atmosphere. Here, you have access to the region’s most comprehensive, multidisciplinary team of specialists and innovative therapies, including many available only through specialized clinical trials. In every way, we work to demonstrate the utmost in excellent care to those who trust us with their health. Baptist Health is known for advanced, superior care for patients with heart disease and the diagnosis, management and treatment of right-sided heart failure. The American Heart Association awarded us with the Get With the Guidelines® Bronze Award in 2016 for consistent application of quality measures in treating heart failure. What is the difference between rightIn left-sided heart failure, the left side of the heart is weakened and results in reduced ability for the heart to pump blood into the body. In right-sided heart failure, the right side of the heart is weakened and results in fluid in your veins, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, and liver.
Which symptom is present in rightThe main sign of right-sided heart failure is fluid buildup. This buildup leads to swelling (edema) in your: Feet, ankles and legs.
What causes rightRight-sided heart failure causes can include:. Cocaine use.. Coronary artery disease.. Diabetes.. Heavy alcohol use.. High blood pressure.. Obesity.. Pulmonary edema.. Pulmonary embolism.. What symptom is associated with leftLeft-sided Heart Failure Symptoms
Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing when lying down. Weight gain with swelling in the feet, legs, ankles. Fluid collection in the abdomen.
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