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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.
Right-Sided Heart Failure: Symptoms and Explanation
Introduction
Right-sided heart failure (RSHF) occurs when the right ventricle of the heart is unable to effectively pump blood into the lungs. This leads to a backlog of blood in the systemic circulation, causing fluid buildup in various parts of the body.
Causes of Right-Sided Heart Failure
RSHF can develop due to several conditions, including: - Left-sided heart failure (most common cause) - Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, pulmonary hypertension) - Heart valve diseases (tricuspid or pulmonary valve dysfunction) - Congenital heart defects - Myocardial infarction (heart attack) affecting the right side
Symptoms of Right-Sided Heart Failure
The main symptoms result from fluid retention and reduced cardiac output:
- Swelling (Edema) – Fluid accumulation in the feet, ankles, legs, and, in severe cases, the abdomen (ascites).
- Jugular Vein Distension (JVD) – Visible swelling of the neck veins due to increased venous pressure.
- Hepatomegaly & Abdominal Discomfort – Enlargement of the liver and abdominal bloating due to fluid congestion.
- Shortness of Breath – Occurs due to fluid overload and reduced oxygen delivery.
- Fatigue & Weakness – Reduced blood flow to muscles and organs leads to generalized tiredness.
- Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia) – Increased fluid redistribution when lying down.
- Weight Gain – Retention of excess fluid in tissues.
- Reduced Appetite & Nausea – Due to gastrointestinal congestion from fluid buildup.
Diagnosis & Treatment
- Diagnosis involves echocardiography, blood tests, chest X-ray, and sometimes cardiac MRI.
- Treatment includes diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise), and in severe cases, mechanical support or transplantation.
Conclusion
Right-sided heart failure is often a consequence of underlying heart or lung conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate management help improve outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure Management
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
- https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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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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