Question

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to the body. One sign of CHF is excess fluid in the tissue spaces, known as edema. Describe the location of the edema if the left side of the heart fails, compared to the location of edema if the right side of the heart fails.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

When the left side of the heart (left ventricle) starts to fail, fluid collects in the lungs (edema). This extra fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) makes it more difficult for the airways to expand as a person inhales. Breathing becomes more difficult and the person may feel short of breath, particularly with activity or when lying down.

When the right side of the heart (right ventricle) starts to fail, fluid begins to collect in the feet and lower legs. Puffy leg swelling (edema) is a sign of right heart failure, especially if the edema is pitting edema. With pitting edema, a finger pressed on the swollen leg leaves an imprint. Non-pitting edema is not caused by heart failure.