Baptist Health is known for advanced, superior care for patients with heart disease and the diagnosis, management, and treatment of left-sided heart failure. The American Heart Association awarded us with the Get With the Guidelines ® Bronze Award in 2016 for consistent application of quality measures in treating heart failure.

What Is Left-Sided Heart Failure?

Left-sided heart failure is a heart condition where the muscle on the left side of the heart is diminished, and the pump doesn't work to the body.

Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping power source, is gradually weakened. When this occurs, the heart is unable to pump oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart’s left atrium, into the left ventricle, and on through the body, causing the heart to work harder.

There are two different types of left-sided heart failure.

Systolic Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)

Systolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle cannot contract forcefully enough to keep blood circulating normally throughout the body, which deprives the body of a normal supply of blood. As the left ventricle pumps harder to compensate, it grows weaker and thinner, causing blood to flow backwards into organs, which results in fluid buildup in the lungs and/or swelling in other parts of the body.

Diastolic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

Diastolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle has grown stiff or thick, making it unable to fill the lower left chamber of the heart properly, which reduces the amount of blood pumped out to the body. Over time, this causes blood to build up inside the left atrium and then in the lungs, leading to fluid congestion and symptoms of heart failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Initially, signs of left-sided heart failure can go unnoticed, but they worsen over time. It is important to see a physician for regular checkups for early diagnosis and treatment to manage signs and symptoms of decreased left ventricular function heart failure. Left unchecked, this condition can cause complications including kidney and/or liver disease and heart attack.

Left-sided heart failure symptoms include:

• Awakening at night with shortness of breath
• Shortness of breath during exercise or when lying flat
• Chronic coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Fluid retention causing swelling, or edema, in the ankles, legs and/or feet
• Lack of appetite and nausea
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Sudden weight gain

As these symptoms occur, they cause the heart to try to pump harder, which causes further damage such as:

• Enlarged heart
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Less blood flowing to the arms and legs

Causes of Left-Sided Heart Failure

Left ventricular dysfunction can be caused by underlying health problems, ranging from mild to severe. The most common cause of left-sided heart failure is caused by heart-related diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD) or a heart attack.

Other left ventricular failure causes can include:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Cocaine use
• Diabetes
• Heavy alcohol use
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• Tobacco use

Risk Factors

Risk factors for left-sided heart failure can include:

• Age: Men between the ages of 50-70 often experience left-sided heart failure if they have previously suffered a heart attack.
• Aortic stenosis: When the aortic valve opening narrows, it slows blood flow and weakens the heart.
• Blood clots: A clot in the lungs can cause left-sided heart failure.
• Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Heredity can cause several types of this disease that can weaken or damage the heart.
• Congenital heart defects: Structural heart defects may prevent proper blood circulation from the heart.
• Chronic diseases: Diabetes, HIV, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or a buildup of iron or protein can lead to left-sided heart failure.
• Gender: Men are at greater risk of developing left-sided heart failure.
• Irregular heartbeats: Abnormal heart rhythms, especially if they are very frequent and fast, can weaken the heart muscle.
• Myocarditis: This condition occurs when a virus causes inflammation of the heart.
• Pericardial constriction: Inflammation causes the pericardium (a sac covering the heart) to scar, thicken and tighten the heart muscle.
• Previous heart attack: Damage to the heart muscle may affect its ability to pump blood effectively.
• Race: African-American men are at higher risk than others for developing left-sided heart failure.
• Some chemotherapy and diabetes medications: Certain drugs have been found to increase the risk of left-sided heart failure.
• Valvular heart disease: Damage or a defect in one of the four heart valves can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively.
• Viral infection: Certain viral infections can damage the heart muscle.

Diagnosis

To determine if a patient has left-sided heart failure, Baptist Health uses advanced technology to effectively diagnose, inform treatment, and carefully monitor the condition. Diagnostic procedures and technologies can include:

• Cardiac catheterization
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Electrophysiology study
• Radionuclide imaging (thallium stress test)
• Treadmill Exercise Test with Peak V02

Following tests, a physician will use results to classify a patient’s heart failure. The four classes are based on the ability to do normal physical activities and the symptoms caused when doing those activities.

Prevention

While you cannot prevent all risk factors for left-sided heart failure, you can take steps to lower, or in some cases even reverse, your risks of diseases or conditions that can cause or complicate left-sided heart failure.

• Balance your blood sugar
• Be active
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular checkups
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce stress
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Stop smoking
• Take your medications as prescribed
• Weigh yourself daily

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for left-sided heart failure focuses on managing symptoms and treating underlying causes of the condition and mitigating risk factors for heart failure. An individualized plan of left ventricular dysfunction treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery for a device implant, heart reconstruction, or heart transplant.

Medication

Medications for left-sided heart failure can improve cardiac function and treat symptoms like heart rate, high blood pressure, and fluid buildup, as they:

• Reduce fluid retention
• Open narrowed blood vessels
• Reduce blood pressure
• Increase blood flow
• Reduce fluid by promoting urination
• Prevent blood clots
• Lower cholesterol

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes, like a low-sodium, low-fat, and low-cholesterol diet, along with gentle aerobic exercise, can improve symptoms and quality of life.

Surgery and Other Procedures

If medications are not effective in managing left-sided heart failure, surgery may be necessary.

Device implant surgeries:

• Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
• Pacemaker

Heart repair or transplant surgeries:

• Congenital heart defect repair
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
• Heart reconstruction surgery
• Heart transplant surgery

Prognosis

The prognosis for left-sided heart failure varies, depending on the cause of the condition and severity of the symptoms. Some will improve with treatment and lifestyle changes. Severe symptoms may require device implants or surgery.

Complications with Left Ventricle Issues

Left-sided heart failure complications can include:

• Angina
• Atrial fibrillation
• Cardiac cachexia
• Heart valve issues
• Heart attack
• Impaired kidney function
• Liver damage
• Right-sided heart failure

Why Choose Baptist Health for Your Heart Care

At Baptist Health, you have access to a comprehensive team of specialists and innovative therapies, including many available only through specialized clinical trials. We prioritize excellent care in a professional, friendly atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Left-Sided Heart Failure

What Does the Left Side of the Heart Do?

The left side of the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues.

Can You Reverse Left Ventricular Dysfunction?

In some cases, left ventricular dysfunction can be managed or partially improved through medications, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions.

How Can You Live with Left-Sided Heart Failure?

People with left-sided heart failure can often manage the condition with prescribed medications, regular monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments.

Can Left Ventricular Dysfunction Be Cured?

While left ventricular dysfunction may not have a complete cure, it can often be treated to improve heart function and quality of life. Treatment focuses on symptom management and preventing further damage to the heart.