Overview
Left heart failure typically manifests with interstitial and pulmonary oedema, and is most commonly caused by pathology affecting the left ventricular myocardium.
Pathogenesis
Causes of Left Ventricular Failure
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Myocarditis
- Pericardial disease
- Valvular disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Hypertension
Manifestations
Complications of Left Ventricular Failure
- Arrhythmias - atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias
- Stroke
- Sarcopaenia
- Pulmonary oedema
- Pulmonary hypertension
Diagnosis
Signs of Left Ventricular Failure
- Sarcopaenia (muscle wasting)
- Tachycardia
- Pulsus alternans: regular alternation between strong and weak beats
- Displaced apex
- Presence of third heart sound (S3)
- Pulmonary crepitations / wheeze
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