What is the Difference Between Left and Right Side of Heart?

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The main difference between the left and right sides of the heart lies in their respective functions and the blood they pump. The heart has four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle, separated by a muscular wall. Here are the key differences between the left and right sides of the heart:

  • Right Side: The right side of the heart receives oxygen-poor blood from the veins and pumps it to the lungs, where the blood picks up oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide.
  • Left Side: The left side of the heart receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it through the arteries to the rest of the body.

In terms of heart failure, left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle cannot pump blood as it should, causing blood to build up in the veins of the lungs. Right-sided heart failure develops when there is weakness of the muscles in the right side of the heart, leading to a buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the lower body. Both left- and right-sided heart failure can cause different symptoms, and a person may develop one or both types.

Comparative Table: Left vs Right Side of Heart

The main differences between the left and right sides of the heart are the type of blood they circulate and the thickness of their walls. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

Feature Left Side of Heart Right Side of Heart
Type of Blood Oxygenated Deoxygenated
Wall Thickness Thicker Thinner

The left side of the heart comprises the left atrium and left ventricle, and it is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body through the aorta. On the other hand, the right side of the heart, which consists of the right atrium and right ventricle, pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary valve. The left ventricle develops higher pressure while pumping blood, as it has thicker walls compared to the right ventricle.