Right-sided heart failure

Alternative names:

congestive heart failure - right

Symptoms:

• swelling of feet and ankles
• an increased frequency of urinating at night
• pronounced neck veins
• a sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• an irregular heartbeat or rapid heartbeat
• fatigue
• weakness
• faintness

Signs and tests:

A physical examination may reveal an irregular or rapid heartbeat. There may be weight gain, distended neck veins, an enlarged liver, and ankle edema. Examination of the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) may reveal lung crackles (occasionally) or abnormal heart sounds.

• An ECG may show arrhythmias.
• An echocardiogram may show heart abnormalities and decreased function.
• A chest X-ray may show enlargement of the heart.
• Routine laboratory studies may be performed, including CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis, and others to determine the effects and causes of heart failure.