Right-sided heart failure is a common medical condition that impacts the heart’s ability to pump blood. Timely treatment is crucial to ensure the heart functions correctly while also preventing more serious issues from occurring.
Both sides of the heart perform crucial functions. The right side of the heart takes old blood and transfers it to the lungs, where it’s enriched with oxygen. On the other hand, the left side receives oxygenated blood and disperses it to the rest of the body. Heart failure can affect both the left and right sides of the organ. In fact, right-sided heart failure often results from left-sided heart failure.
In addition to left-sided heart failure, other medical conditions and issues can also cause the right side of the heart to fail:
While most people who experience issues with heart failure are aged 50 or older, the condition is most prevalent in people over the age of 75.
Symptoms of heart failure affecting the right side of the organ can include:
However, most people first notice swelling throughout the body when experiencing right-sided heart failure. Inflammation can affect the lower extremities (legs, ankles, and feet) and the lower back. Swelling can also affect the liver and gastrointestinal tract, which can cause bloating and nausea.
Treatment of right-sided heart failure usually involves treatment of the medical conditions causing the issue. As a result, treatment may involve taking medication to regulate blood pressure or improve function of the blood vessels. If the problem stems from a blood clot in the lungs, doctors may prescribe medication to break up the clot. Doctors can also recommend implantation of a medical device, such as a pacemaker.
In many cases, people who experience heart failure will also need to make certain changes to their lifestyles, including:
Combining these healthy lifestyle choices with medical treatments is often the most effective way to maintain heart health.