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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.
The Right Heart: Functions and Disorders
Introduction
The human heart is divided into two sides: the right heart and the left heart. The right heart plays a critical role in pumping deoxygenated blood into the lungs for oxygenation. Disorders affecting the right heart can lead to severe complications, including right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
Structure and Function of the Right Heart
The right heart consists of the following structures: 1. Right Atrium: Receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the superior and inferior vena cava. 2. Right Ventricle: Pumps blood to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. 3. Tricuspid Valve: Prevents backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium. 4. Pulmonary Valve: Ensures one-way blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Common Disorders of the Right Heart
1. Right Heart Failure
Right heart failure occurs when the right ventricle is unable to pump blood effectively. Causes include: - Left-sided heart failure (leading to increased pressure in the right heart) - Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs makes it harder for the right ventricle to pump blood) - Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, pulmonary fibrosis) - Congenital heart defects
2. Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension increases the pressure the right ventricle must work against, leading to hypertrophy (thickening) and eventual failure. Symptoms include: - Shortness of breath - Fatigue - Swelling in the legs and abdomen - Chest pain with exertion
3. Tricuspid Valve Disorders
Tricuspid regurgitation or stenosis can cause inadequate right heart function, leading to fluid retention and swelling.
4. Pericardial Diseases Impacting the Right Heart
Conditions such as constrictive pericarditis (a stiffened pericardial sac) can restrict the filling of the right heart and lead to symptoms resembling right heart failure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography (ultrasound imaging of the heart)
- MRI or CT scan (for detailed structural assessment)
- Right heart catheterization (to measure pressure in the right heart and lungs)
Treatment
- Treat underlying conditions (e.g., control of lung diseases, treating left-sided heart failure)
- Medications such as diuretics to reduce fluid overload
- Pulmonary vasodilators for pulmonary hypertension
- Surgical or catheter-based interventions for valve disorders
Conclusion
The right heart is essential for maintaining proper circulation, and its dysfunction can lead to serious health issues. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of right heart disorders improve quality of life and prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35378257/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Pulmonary-Hypertension-Guidelines-on-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/38/3618/6673929
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19713419/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2022/08/30/19/11/2022-ESC-Guidelines-for-Pulmonary-Hypertension-ESC-2022
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017548/
3. European Respiratory Society (ERS) Guidelines on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Heart Function
- https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/54/3/1901647
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/3/183/6454843
- https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erj/53/1/1801900
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37470202/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/29/2659/7226721
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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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