The clinical manifestations consistent with right heart failure are
Disease description:
In the past few days, I have been feeling like my heart might not be functioning quite well, and I'm a bit worried it could be heart failure. Could you please tell me what are the clinical manifestations of right-sided heart failure?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Right heart failure primarily arises from impaired pumping function of the right ventricle, leading to systemic venous congestion and reduced perfusion of the pulmonary circulation. Its clinical manifestations mainly include the following:
1. Dyspnea: Although dyspnea may already exist due to secondary right heart failure from left heart failure, isolated right heart failure can also cause significant dyspnea resulting from lung disease or shunt-type congenital heart defects.
2. Symptoms of systemic venous congestion: Patients commonly experience lower limb edema, abdominal swelling (hepatomegaly), ascites, liver enlargement, and tenderness.
3. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Due to congestion of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, symptoms such as abdominal distension, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting commonly occur.
4. General symptoms: These include fatigue, increased feelings of exhaustion, weight gain (due to fluid retention), and decreased exercise tolerance.
5. Jugular venous signs: Enhanced jugular venous pulsation, distension, and prominent jugular vein filling are major physical findings in right heart failure. A positive hepatojugular reflux sign is particularly characteristic.
6. Cardiac signs: When the right ventricle is significantly enlarged, a regurgitant murmur of tricuspid insufficiency may be present.
If you experience the above symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended.
