Final Answer:
The patient is experiencing left ventricular failure leading to congestive heart failure (CHF).
Step-by-step explanation:
Left ventricular failure refers to the inability of the left ventricle, the chamber of the heart responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation, to effectively eject blood. This condition can result from various cardiac disorders, such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, or valvular heart diseases. When the left ventricle fails, it cannot pump out the blood it receives adequately, leading to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and other tissues, a hallmark of congestive heart failure (CHF).
The pumping efficiency of the heart is often quantified by the ejection fraction (EF), which represents the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle during each contraction. A normal EF ranges from 55% to 70%. In left ventricular failure, the EF is reduced, indicating that a significant portion of the blood remains in the ventricle after contraction. This compromised ejection fraction contributes to inadequate blood circulation, leading to symptoms of CHF, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
Treatment strategies for left ventricular failure and CHF aim to improve cardiac function, reduce fluid overload, and manage underlying causes. Medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions like ventricular assist devices or heart transplantation may be considered. Close monitoring and collaboration between healthcare providers, including cardiologists and heart failure specialists, are essential for managing and improving the prognosis of patients with left ventricular failure and CHF.