Heart failure are becoming more popular disease it has been the leading cause of death of people older than 65. Heart failure can involve only the right side of the heart or only the left side of the heart or both sides. When heart failure occurs in the right side of the heart it is called right heart failure. If it occurs in the left side of the heart it is called left heart failure and this is the most common type. Sometimes the failure of the left side of the heart can occur along with the failure of the right side of the heart.
The function of the left side of the heart is to get oxygenated blood from the lungs and then pump the blood throughout the body, left heart failure alters this functions. Left-sided heart failure can be further subdivided in two types. American Heart Association reported two kinds of left-sided heart failure, the systolic and diastolic failure. Systolic failure happens when the left ventricle is unable to contract normally. When this happens, the heart can no longer pump with enough force to push the blood into the body. The other kind is diastolic failure, happens when the left ventricle unable to relax between beats, so that the heart can’t fill properly.
Many signs and symptoms that can appear when you are suffering from left heart failure. Because the left side of the heart is unable to pump the right amount of blood for systemic circulation this may cause back-up of both blood and fluid into the lungs. This may further results to problem like difficulties in breathing or shortness of breathing. People who suffer from left-side heart failure may also experience fatigue because the body does not get enough oxygen to act normally. It may also cause decreased urine output and fluid retention.
Left heart failure is often detected when heart murmurs or cracking sounds in the lungs is present. Some of the diagnosis is made with the use of blood tests, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram, coronary angiography, echocardiogram and heart stress test. When diagnose with left-sided heart failure it should be treated as soon as possible. Some of the treatment for this kind of disease focuses on treating underlying diseases. In mild case medication may be prescribed but in severe cases it requires the use of pacemaker. Treatment will also involve changes in lifestyle. This can help longer the lifespan and avoid the disease from getting worst.
↑ Back to Top