9. Right-Sided Heart Failure

What is the key effect of right HF?

Blood backs up into systemic veins. The pressure backs up into systemic venous circulation.

What is cor pulmonale?

Right ventricular failure caused by lung disease. Lung disease increases the workload of the right ventricle.

How can COPD cause cor pulmonale?

Hypoxia → vasoconstriction → pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension makes the right ventricle pump harder.

How can a pulmonary embolism strain the right heart?

It increases pulmonary vascular resistance. The blockage increases pulmonary vascular resistance.

What is JVD?

Neck vein distention from high venous pressure. High central venous pressure makes neck veins visible.

Why does right HF cause leg edema?

High venous pressure pushes fluid into tissues. High capillary pressure moves fluid into leg tissues.

What is hepatomegaly?

Enlarged liver. It may enlarge due to hepatic venous congestion.

What is splenomegaly?

Enlarged spleen. It may enlarge with systemic venous congestion.

What is ascites?

Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. High abdominal venous pressure promotes fluid accumulation.

What is hepatojugular reflux?

Sustained neck vein rise with abdominal pressure. It reflects difficulty accommodating increased venous return.

Why can right HF cause nausea?

Gastrointestinal venous congestion. Congestion of abdominal organs can impair digestion.

Which HF causes lung congestion?

Left-sided heart failure. Think crackles, orthopnea, PND, and pulmonary edema.

Which HF causes systemic venous congestion?

Right-sided heart failure. Think JVD, peripheral edema, ascites, and hepatomegaly.