Cardiovascular | Reference | RHF vs. LHF

Ref: RHF vs. LHF
  1. General considerations
  2. Symptoms: RHFLHF
  3. Causes: RHFLHF
General considerations

For RHF and LHFwhen a side of the heart failsthings behind it in thecircuit will build up. Lungs are behind left heartso in LHF get pulmonaryedema. Systemic circulation is behind right heartso in RHFget peripheraledema.

Symptoms: RHF
  • Distended neck veinsraised JVP.
  • Nutmeg liver.
  • Enlargedcongested spleen.
  • Congested kidneys.
  • Pittingankle edema.
  • Ascites.
Symptoms: LHF
  • Pulmonary edema.
  • Cyanosis.
  • Dyspnea.
  • Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
  • Cough.
  • Frothy sputum.
  • Fatigue.
  • Tachycardia.
  • S3.
  • Pulsus alterans.
  • Systemic hypofusion:
    • Kidneys underperfused.
    • Muscles underperfusedso weak.
    • Brain underperfusedso confusion in elderly.
Causes: RHF
  • LHF.
  • COPD [called "cor pulmonale"].
  • Tricuspid regurgitation.
Causes: LHF
  • Hypertension.
  • CAD.
  • MI.
  • Mitral valve incompetence.
  • Aortic valve incompetence.

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