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Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view
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Right-sided heart failure
Alternative Names: Congestive heart failure - right-sided Symptoms: Shortness of breath Swelling of feet and ankles Urinating more frequently at night Pronounced neck veins Palpitations (sensation of feeling the heart beat) Irregular fast heartbeat Fatigue Weakness Faintness A variety of different situations may trigger an episode of heart failure, such as: Increased intake of fluids or salt Fever Infections Anemia Blockage in the coronary arteries Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) Kidney disease Text Continues Below Many hospital admissions related to heart failure are because the person did not follow a recommended low-salt diet or take heart failure medicines as prescribed. Signs and tests: Your health care provider will conduct a physical examination, which may reveal: Abnormal heart sounds Abnormal lung sounds Murmurs Irregular or rapid heartbeat Weight gain Distended neck veins Enlarged liver Ankle swelling Heart failure patients may undergo some of the following common tests: An ECG may show signs of thickened heart muscle or enlarged heart chambers. The electric system of the heart and heart rhythm may not be normal. A chest x-ray may show enlargement of the heart and fluid accumulation in the lungs. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) and a Doppler study may show heart chambers enlargement, leaky valves, and poor pumping function. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>