This disease is a type of heart failure, and it happens when the heart muscle cannot pump blood efficiently. It is called left-sided heart failure, and it causes tissues and organs in the body to receive less oxygen-rich blood. Without prompt treatment, this condition may cause damage to multiple organs.
In normal circumstances, the left and right side of the heart works differently. For example:
- Left side – This part of the heart receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and then sends it to the rest of the body. It helps all tissues and organs in the body function properly.
- Right side – It receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and sends it to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is released, and it takes in fresh oxygen.
Types of Left-sided Heart Failure
Physicians have divided this condition into 2 types. These include:
- Systolic heart failure – It occurs when one of the lower chambers of the heart (such as the left ventricle) becomes weak and cannot pump blood out to the body. In some cases, it is called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
- Diastolic heart failure – In this case, the left ventricle becomes stiff and cannot relax properly. As a result, it affects the blood flow. Sometimes, this condition is called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
What Are The Symptoms of Left-sided Heart Failure?
Usually, this condition does not cause any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Some people may have mild symptoms that resemble a cold or allergy. When this disease worsens, you may experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
- Edema (swelling) in the ankles, legs, or abdomen
- Weight gain
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath), especially during physical activity
- Persistent cough
If any of the symptoms listed above occur, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes and Risk Factors
In general, there are certain health conditions that may cause left-sided heart failure. Check some of them below:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Coronary artery disease
- Infiltrative diseases (including amyloid and sarcoid)
- Valvular heart disease
While anyone can develop left-sided heart failure, physicians have identified some factors that could increase your risk even more. Examples include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity (excessive body weight)
- Older age
- Smoking
- Cancer treatments that may cause cardiotoxicity
- Prolonged exposure to certain toxins (including drugs, energy drinks, and others)
- Some medicines used to treat diseases such as autoimmune disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and others
What Are The Possible Complications of Left-sided Heart Failure?
People who develop this type of heart failure may also experience some complications, especially if they do not get treatment in the early stages of the disease. Check some examples below:
- Obstructive and central sleep apnea
- Liver disease
- Right-sided heart failure
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Kidney disease
- Mental disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and others)
- Muscle weakness
- Heart valve disease
- Arrhythmia (such as ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and others)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Enlarged heart muscle
- Pulmonary edema and respiratory problems
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Cardiac cachexia
- Decreased quality of life
The previous list does not contain all possible complications of left-sided heart failure, but you can consult with your doctor about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Is There a Way to Prevent Left-sided Heart Failure?
One sure way to prevent this condition is to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, if you have had this disorder, doctors may recommend the following tips to reduce the risk of developing other health problems. Check some examples below:
- Manage chronic health conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and others)
- Physical exercise – Doctors often recommend aiming for 30 minutes of physical exercise per day, at least 5 days a week. It also helps get or maintain a healthy weight.
- Dietary changes – It is also advised to add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet and reduce the amount of processed foods.
- Manage stress
- Stop smoking – If you have problems with smoking cessation, discuss it with your physician.
Diagnosis
Like the diagnosis of many other health conditions, the left-sided heart failure diagnosis starts with a physical examination. In any case, to confirm or rule out this disorder, doctors will perform the following tests. Check some examples below:
- BNP (biomarker) blood test – It is used to check for hormones that often appear with pressure changes inside the heart muscle.
- Metabolic panel – This test is used to check the function of the kidneys and liver, along with electrolytes (including Potassium and Sodium).
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This is a quick test that doctors often perform to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It usually helps detect abnormal heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO) – Doctors usually perform this test to see the heart’s movement and blood flow.
- Coronary angiography – During this procedure, doctors can examine the heart’s blood vessels.
- Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – This is an imaging test that helps doctors get detailed images of the heart and nearby structures.
Treatment
Physicians usually prescribe different treatments for people with this condition. It depends on the severity of the condition, overall health, age, and preferences. Check some of them below:
- Aldosterone antagonists – This group of medicines is used to control stress hormones and prevent symptoms from worsening.
- ACE inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), and ARNIs (angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitors – These medications are used to relax blood vessels and help remodel the heart.
- Beta-blockers – They help reduce the heart rate and strain on the heart muscle.
- Digoxin – It helps people feel better and control their heart rate.
- Diuretics (also called water pills) – Doctors often recommend these medications to remove excess fluids from the body.
- SGLT2 (sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors) – They are used to manage diabetes and help reduce excess fluid.
In more severe cases, doctors may also recommend the following procedures. These include:
- CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) – This is an implantable device used to deliver small electrical currents to the heart. It helps stimulate the heart muscle. Sometimes, it is called a biventricular pacemaker.
- Electrical cardioversion – It helps restore a normal heart rhythm.
- ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) – This device is used to detect arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) and deliver a small electrical current to restore a normal rhythm.
- LVAD (left ventricular assist device) – This is another device that helps the heart circulate blood.
- Heart transplant – During this procedure, surgeons will remove the affected heart and will replace it with a healthy one from a donor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prognosis for people with left-sided heart failure?
With treatment, the prognosis is good. However, all who develop this condition should administer medicines exactly as recommended by their doctors and keep routine appointments.
What is the most common symptom of left-sided heart failure?
While the most common symptom of left-sided heart failure is dyspnea (shortness of breath), it may also cause other symptoms. These include swelling, cough, and others.
What are the signs of worsening heart failure?
Usually, when the condition worsens, you may notice a sudden increase in weight (often caused by fluid retention) and increased dyspnea, even with minimal activity.
Can left-sided heart failure be reversed?
In some cases, the underlying cause of left-sided heart failure can be treated, which may improve heart function. For example, controlling high blood pressure, repairing a damaged heart valve, or treating coronary artery disease can help reverse the effects of this disease. However, many cases require lifelong management.
What is the difference between left-sided and right-sided heart failure?
Left-sided heart failure mainly affects the heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body, often causing shortness of breath and fluid buildup in the lungs. Right-sided heart failure primarily affects the movement of blood from the body to the lungs and often causes swelling in the legs, ankles, abdomen, and other areas.
Can left-sided heart failure cause fluid buildup in the lungs?
Yes. When the left side of the heart cannot pump blood effectively, fluid can back up into the lungs, leading to a condition called pulmonary edema. This can cause severe shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, and may require immediate treatment.
What foods should people with left-sided heart failure avoid?
People with left-sided heart failure are often advised to limit foods high in sodium (salt), such as processed meats, canned soups, fast food, and salty snacks. Excess sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, which may worsen heart failure symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also recommend fluid restrictions in certain cases.
Is exercise safe for people with left-sided heart failure?
For many people, regular physical activity is both safe and beneficial when approved by a healthcare provider. Exercise can improve cardiovascular health, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation programs may be recommended for some patients.
How often should someone with left-sided heart failure see a doctor?
The frequency of follow-up appointments depends on the severity of the condition and how well it is controlled. Many people require regular visits every few months, while those with advanced heart failure may need more frequent monitoring to adjust medications and assess symptoms.
When should a person with left-sided heart failure seek emergency medical care?
Immediate medical attention is needed if symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue-colored lips or fingers, or sudden swelling develop. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication that requires urgent treatment. Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.
