right-sided heart failure

pathology

Also known as: right ventricular heart failure

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Right-sided heart failure, also known as cor pulmonale, occurs when the right ventricle of the heart enlarges due to lung disorders or abnormalities of the chest wall. This condition leads to symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid accumulation in the legs. The most common cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which increases pressure in the pulmonary artery. This back pressure forces the right ventricle to work harder, leading to enlargement and eventual heart failure. Acute cases can be caused by a pulmonary embolism. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying lung condition and may include diuretics and cardiovascular drugs.12

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cardiovascular disease
Ventricular dysfunction in heart failure
…ventricular heart failure (sometimes called right-sided heart failure) results in right-sided alterations in the pulmonary circulation. These alterations may be associated with severe lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease, and poorly understood primary diseases, such as primary pulmonary hypertension. Since the right side of the heart is the…
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…ventricular heart failure (sometimes called right-sided heart failure) results in right-sided alterations in the pulmonary circulation. These alterations may be associated with severe lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive lung disease, and poorly understood primary diseases, such as primary pulmonary hypertension. Since the right side of the heart is the…
Read More