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Alternative names Return to top
Congestive heart failure - leftDefinition Return to top
Left-sided heart failure is a disorder in which the left side of the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently, thereby failing to meet the demands of the body.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Heart failure may affect the right side, the left side, or both sides of the heart. The left side of the heart receives blood rich in oxygen from the lungs and pumps it to the remainder of the body. As the ability to pump blood forward from the left side of the heart is decreased, the remainder of the body does not receive enough oxygen especially when exercising. This results in fatigue.
In addition, the pressure in the veins of the lung increases, which may cause fluid accumulation in the lung. This results in shortness of breath and pulmonary edema.
Common causes of left-sided failure include the following:
In children, common causes include heart birth defects such as abnormal heart valves, abnormal blood vessel connections, or viral infections.
Left-sided heart failure occurs in approximately 1 to 3 of every 100 people and becomes more prevalent with age.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Physical examination may reveal an irregular or rapid heartbeat and increased rate of breathing. Listening to the heart may reveal heart murmurs or extra heart sounds, and listening to the lungs may reveal crackles or decreased breath sounds at the bottom. The skin of the legs may have excessive fluid and may remain dimpled when pressed.
Tests may include the following:
Treatment Return to top
The goals of treatment include treating the underlying disease, relieving stress on the heart and minimizing symptoms and risks of worsening heart failure.
In severe cases, IV medications are given to promote water removal and to increase heart pumping function.
A number of studies have shown that heart failure symptoms can be improved with a special type of pacemaker. It paces both the right and left sides of heart. This is referred to as biventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy. Ask your provider if you are a candidate for this.
In very severe cases in which medicines alone are not sufficient, mechanical devices to assist the left heart in pumping blood can be implanted. Heart transplantation may need to be performed based upon availability of a donor heart.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Heart failure is a serious disorder that carries a possibility of reduced life expectancy. Prognosis depends upon the underlying disorder, and the age and tolerated level of activity of the patient.
In many cases, there is little chance for full recovery of heart function. However, many forms of heart failure are well controlled with medication and can remain stable for many years with occasional exacerbations of symptoms.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating congestive heart failure occur.Prevention Return to top
Follow your health care provider's advice for treatment of conditions that may cause congestive heart failure. Follow dietary guidelines and minimize or eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption. Update Date: 7/6/2004 Updated by: Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology and Electrophysiology at New York Hospital Center of Queens, Flushing, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |