Left and Right Heart Failure

Although heart disease commonly affects the entire myocardium, congestive heart failure is sometimes divided into left and right heart failure (Fig. 24—2). In left heart failure, the left atrium and ventricle are unable to adequately handle the blood returning from the lungs. This causes pressure to build up in the pulmonary veins, and fluid accumulates in the lungs. Consequently, left heart failure is associated with pulmonary edema (see Fig. 24—2 A). 

FIGURE 24-2 Effects of congestive heart failure. (A) Left-sided heart failure results primarily in pulmonary edema. (BJ Right-sided heart failure results in peripheral edema [swollen ankles, enlarged organs], (Adapted from Kent TH, Hart MN. Introduction to Human Disease. 2nd ed. Norwalk, CT Appleton-Century-Crofts 1987 141, with permission.] 

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