Heart Failure Overview

Which condition is primarily caused by left-sided heart failure?

What is a common consequence of right-sided heart failure?

Which of the following is NOT a complication of left-sided heart failure?

What mechanism underlies right-sided heart failure?

Which symptom is specifically linked to left-sided heart failure?

Which factor does NOT contribute to left-sided heart failure?

What is a potential risk for pregnant women with left-sided heart failure?

What can cause dyspnea in pregnant women associated with right-sided heart failure?

Left-Sided Heart Failure

Occurs in conditions like mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, and aortic coarctation
Left ventricle struggles to pump blood forward
Blood backs up in the left atrium from the pulmonary circulation
Heart becomes distended impacting systemic blood pressure
Lowered cardiac output leads to pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary edema creates shortness of breath due to oxygen exchange interference
Blood leaks into alveoli causing a blood-tinged cough
Limited oxygen exchange elevates risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, or maternal death
Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
Placenta may not receive adequate blood flow due to restricted peripheral circulation
Pulmonary edema worsens, preventing sleep without elevated chest and head support (orthopnea)

Right-Sided Heart Failure

Right ventricle overwhelmed by blood from the vena cava
Causes systemic venous congestion
Reduced cardiac output impacts lung function
Blood pressure lowers in aorta due to inadequate blood flow
Blood pressure increases within the vena cava from the back pressure of blood
Jugular distention and increased portal circulation are evident
Enlarged liver and spleen result
Liver enlargement, pressing against the diaphragm can cause dyspnea in a pregnant woman
Fluid may leak from vessels , leading to abdominal or lower extremity edema.

This quiz covers the critical aspects of left-sided and right-sided heart failure. It examines how these conditions affect the heart's ability to pump blood and the resulting implications for systemic circulation and pulmonary health. Understand the symptoms, causes, and complications associated with heart failure.