Question

Which definition best describes left-sided heart failure?

a. Increased volume and pressure develop and result in peripheral edema.
b. Can occur when cardiac output remains normal or above normal.
c. Decreased tissue perfusion from poor cardiac output and pulmonary congestion from increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels.
d. Percentage of blood ejected from the heart during systole.

Answer 1

Left-sided heart failure is characterized by decreased tissue perfusion due to poor cardiac output and is associated with pulmonary congestion and pulmonary edema, resulting from increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best definition that describes left-sided heart failure is 'decreased tissue perfusion from poor cardiac output and pulmonary congestion from increased pressure in the pulmonary vessels'. Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively, leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema. This fluid accumulation is due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries, which forces fluid out of the blood vessels and into the lung tissues, compromising gas exchange and leading to difficulty in breathing. In contrast, right-sided heart failure typically involves peripheral edema due to fluid accumulation in the extremities and abdomen.