What are the most
common types of
CHF?
Left-sided CHF is the most common type of CHF. It occurs
when your left ventricle doesnt properly pump blood out to
your body. As the condition progresses, fluid can build up in
your lungs, which makes breathing difficult.
There are two kinds of left-sided heart failure:
Systolic heart failure occurs when the left ventricle
fails to contract normally. This reduces the level of force
available to push blood into circulation. Without this force,
the heart cant pump properly.
Diastolic failure, or diastolic dysfunction, happens
when the muscle in the left ventricle becomes stiff. Because
it can no longer relax, the heart cant quite fill with blood
between beats.
Right-sided CHF occurs when the right ventricle has difficulty
pumping blood to your lungs. Blood backs up in your blood
vessels, which causes fluid retention in your lower
extremities, abdomen, and other vital organs.
Its possible to have left-sided and right-sided CHF at the
same time. Usually, the disease starts in the left side and
then travels to the right when left untreated.
Congestive heart failure stages
Stage Main symptoms Outlook
CHF at this stage can be managed
Class You dont experience any symptoms through lifestyle changes, heart
I during typical physical activity. medications, and monitoring.
Youre likely comfortable at rest, but
normal physical activity may cause CHF at this stage can be managed
Class fatigue, palpitations, and shortness through lifestyle changes, heart
II of breath. medications, and careful monitoring.
Youre likely comfortable at rest, but
theres a noticeable limitation of
physical activity. Even mild exercise Treatment can be complicated. Talk
Class may cause fatigue, palpitations, or with your doctor about what heart
III shortness of breath. failure at this stage may mean for you.
Theres no cure for CHF at this stage,
Youre likely unable to carry on any but there are still quality-of-life and
amount of physical activity without palliative care options. Youll want to
Class symptoms, which are present even discuss the potential benefits and risks
IV at rest. of each with your doctor.
