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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Left Heart Failure: Symptoms and Explanation
Introduction
Left heart failure, also known as left ventricular failure, occurs when the left ventricle of the heart struggles to pump blood effectively to the body. This leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and systemic circulation, causing a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms of Left Heart Failure
1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Due to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary congestion), patients often feel breathless, especially during exertion or when lying flat (orthopnea).
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) is also common—patients wake up suddenly at night gasping for air.
2. Fatigue and Weakness
- Inadequate oxygen supply to tissues leads to reduced energy levels.
- The heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the body’s demands.
3. Cough and Wheezing
- A dry or frothy cough may develop, sometimes accompanied by pink-tinged sputum due to pulmonary congestion.
- Chronic pulmonary fluid retention can cause a wheezing sound.
4. Fluid Retention and Swelling (Edema)
- While right heart failure typically causes systemic edema, left heart failure can also contribute due to kidney dysfunction caused by reduced cardiac output.
5. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat (Palpitations)
- The heart may beat faster or irregularly as it tries to compensate for the decreased ability to pump blood efficiently.
Relationship with Right Heart Failure
If left heart failure progresses, it can lead to right heart failure (biventricular failure), causing systemic fluid overload, swelling in the legs, and abdominal bloating.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for effective management. If you or someone you know experiences persistent shortness of breath, fatigue, or fluid retention, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27206819/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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