Left-Sided Heart Failure Explained 💙

► This video explains left-sided heart failure, its causes, and the underlying pathophysiology. Understanding how this condition develops is crucial for nursing and medical students, as well as healthcare professionals managing patients with cardiovascular disease.

🫀 What Causes Left-Sided Heart Failure?
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to congestion in the lungs and reduced oxygen delivery to the body. The primary causes include:
Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Damage to the heart muscle impairs its ability to pump effectively.
Valvular disease: Dysfunctional heart valves disrupt normal blood flow, increasing strain on the heart.
Ischemic heart disease: Reduced blood supply weakens the heart over time, leading to heart failure.

When the left ventricle fails, blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation, causing shortness of breath (dyspnea), fatigue, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. If untreated, it can progress to right-sided heart failure, worsening the patient’s condition.

💡 How Can You Recognize It?
Symptoms like pulmonary congestion, orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying down), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (waking up short of breath at night) are classic signs of left-sided heart failure.

► THE PROF 👩🏫
Dr. Rhonda Lawes is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and an Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, USA. She specializes in using cognitive learning science to help nursing students maximize their study effectiveness. At Lecturio, she serves as the Director of Nursing Education Programs and teaches courses in Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Pathophysiology. 💉

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Disclaimer: Lecturio offers educational content for healthcare students to prepare for exams and/or to review knowledge gained at a Medical School. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment suggestions. Our resources are strictly for educational purposes. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns.

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Which risk factor do you think is most important to monitor in patients at risk? Let us know in the comments! 👇