What is the Difference Between Right Sided and Left Sided Heart Failure?

The main difference between right-sided and left-sided heart failure lies in the side of the heart that is weakened and the consequences of that weakness. Here are the key differences:

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.
• Common causes include heart attack, chronic high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Symptoms may include trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup in the lungs.

Right-Sided Heart Failure:

• Occurs when the right ventricle cannot pump blood effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the lower body.
• Common causes include long-term high blood pressure, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and certain lung diseases such as COPD.
• Symptoms may include heart palpitations, swelling in the legs and ankles, and liver enlargement.

Right-sided heart failure typically occurs as a result of left-sided heart failure, when the left ventricle fails and can't pump enough blood out, increasing fluid pressure back through the lungs and damaging the heart's right side. Both types of heart failure can be caused by a combination of risk factors, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, congenital heart disease, diabetes, some diabetes medications, alcohol use, sleep apnea, smoking or tobacco use, obesity, and viral infections.

Comparative Table: Right Sided vs Left Sided Heart Failure

The main differences between right-sided and left-sided heart failure are related to the side of the heart that is weakened and the consequences for blood circulation. Here is a table summarizing the key differences:

Both types of heart failure are related to weakened heart muscles and impaired blood circulation. Treatment options for both left-sided and right-sided heart failure may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgical interventions, and implantable devices.