Question

If a patient is suffering from congestive heart failure involving the left side of their heart, why may they be experiencing dyspnea?

Your response should be less than 100 words.

Answer 1

Generally, heart failure begins with the left side, specifically the left ventricle — your heart's main pumping chamber. Fluid may back up in your lungs, causing shortness of breath. Fluid may back up into your abdomen, legs and feet, causing swelling

Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle doesn't pump efficiently. This prevents your body from getting enough oxygen-rich blood. The blood backs up into your lungs instead, which causes shortness of breath and a buildup of fluid