Left-sided heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood. This prevents organs from receiving enough oxygen. The condition can lead to complications that include right-sided heart failure and organ damage. Show
OverviewWhat is left-sided heart failure?This condition occurs when the left side of the heart no longer functions appropriately. There are two types:
What do the left and right sides of the heart do?The two sides of your heart work in different ways to pump blood.
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes left-sided heart failure?Left-sided heart failure may occur in people with:
Other risk factors for left-sided heart failure include:
What are the symptoms of left-sided heart failure?Symptoms may be mild at first or you may think it's a cold or allergy. You might not even notice them. But as heart functioning worsens, you may experience:
Over time, the heart works harder to do its job. This causes complications that may include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is left-sided heart failure diagnosed?Healthcare providers diagnose by obtaining a thorough history and performing a physical examination along with ordering laboratory tests and imaging studies. Laboratory testsLab tests for left-sided heart failure use a sample of blood. They detect signs of heart disease and rule out other causes of your symptoms. You may need:
Imaging studiesHeart imaging tests you may need include:
Management and TreatmentWhat does left-sided heart failure treatment involve?There are many treatment options. The ones that are right for you depend on whether the issue is diastolic heart failure or systolic heart failure. Treatment often includes medications to improve heart functioning:
Will I need a procedure as part of my left-sided heart failure treatment?A procedure may be necessary if:
Your care may include:
PreventionHow can I prevent left-sided heart failure?Living a heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of left-sided heart failure. If you’ve already experienced this condition, healthy habits can help you avoid future issues. Steps you can take to prevent left-sided heart failure include:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the outlook for people with left-sided heart failure?Your outlook can be excellent as long you keep routine appointments with your care team and take medications as recommended by your provider. What are the complications of left-sided heart failure?Complications of light-sided heart failure can include:
Living WithHow will my life be different with left-sided heart failure?Life after left-sided heart failure often includes changes such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Left-sided heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood. It often happens in people with high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. You may experience systolic heart failure or diastolic heart failure. Treatment can boost your heart’s pumping ability. Left-sided heart failure symptoms can come back. Ongoing therapies and lifestyle changes can lower this risk. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
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