Signs and Symptoms of Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently. Various diseases and syndromes such as diabetes, untreated high blood pressure, alcohol abuse, and thyroid disorders can cause congestive heart failure (CHF). Right-sided CHF occurs when the right ventricle is unable to pump normally and blood backs up into the veins of the body. If you recognize the symptoms of right-sided congestive heart failure, contact your health care provider.

Swelling

• The primary symptom of right-sided congestive heart failure is swelling (edema) in the extremities. Since less blood is returning to the heart, the ankles, feet, and legs fill with excess fluid. CHF can also damage the kidneys' ability to rid the body of excess sodium and water, further aggravating the problem. Edemas caused by CHF are pitted, which means that if you press down on an affected area with a finger the impression will last for a few minutes. Edemas that are not pitted are not CHF. However, not all pitted edemas are caused by CHF; liver and kidney disease can cause them also.

Weight Gain

• The retention of fluid caused by the right ventricle's decrease in pumping power can easily lead to weight gain. Daily weight checks are important in patients with CHF so patients have a good idea of how much fluid they are retaining. Not only is weight gain a symptom of right-sided CHF, obesity can aggravating CHF through such conditions as diabetes.

Fatigue

• Tiredness and exercise intolerance usually accompany most CHF cases. This is because the body needs certain nutrients carried by the blood to produce energy, and with the decreased amount of blood pumped through the body, these nutrients are reduced. This can cause shortness of breath during exercise and can even affect walking at a normal pace. The shortness of breath typically subsides after the activity is halted .

Loss of Appetite

• Fluid retention, a primary feature of right-sided CHF, can develop in the digestive organs in addition to the extremities. This can cause the afflicted person to feel full even though he or she has not eaten. Smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals. are recommended in this case.