Definition:
Right heart failure is an alternate name for this condition is congestive heart failure - right-sided. It is defined by the failure of the right side of the heart ventricle loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. This disorder is caused when the right ventricle does not function properly and the blood backs up into other areas of the body causing congestion.
Diagnosis:
The doctor will conduct a physical exam to reveal abnormal lung and heart sounds, murmurs, irregular heartbeats, and weight gain, Tests may include: an ECG, chest x-ray, echocardiogram, or blood tests.
Treatment:
Doctors may perform cardiac catheterization particularly right heart catheterization. This is done to measure the pressure of the heart by inserting a catheter into the vein in the right side of the heart.
Symptoms and Signs:
This heart condition can come with the following symptoms: shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and ankles, frequent urination at night, pronounced neck veins, palpitations, irregular fast heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, and fainting.
Causes:
Different maladies may cause this condition including: lung diseases, pulmonary arteries clots, pulmonary hypertension, and heart-valve disease. Triggers may include: increased salt and fluid intake, fever, infection, anemia, coronary artery blockage, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease.
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