8. Left-Sided Heart Failure

What are forward effects of left HF?

Decreased systemic organ perfusion. The body receives less oxygenated blood.

What are backward effects of left HF?

Blood backs up into the lungs. Increased pulmonary pressure pushes fluid into lung tissue.

What causes pulmonary crackles in left HF?

Fluid accumulation in the lungs. Fluid in the lungs produces abnormal breath sounds.

What is orthopnea?

Difficulty breathing while lying flat. Lying flat redistributes fluid toward the chest.

What is PND?

Sudden nighttime dyspnea that awakens the patient. The patient awakens breathless after being asleep.

Why does pulmonary edema impair oxygenation?

Lung fluid interferes with oxygen diffusion. Fluid increases the barrier to gas exchange.

Why can left HF reduce urine output?

Decreased renal perfusion. The kidneys filter less blood when perfusion falls.

Why can left HF cause confusion?

Decreased cerebral perfusion. The brain may receive insufficient blood flow.