Heart Failure Affects Which Organ With Congestion?

When left-sided heart failure occurs, the organ most commonly affected by congestion is the lungs. This happens because the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes weakened or damaged. As a result, its ability to effectively eject blood decreases.

Understanding the Mechanism Behind Pulmonary Congestion

As the left ventricle fails to pump efficiently, the pressure within the ventricle during its relaxation phase (diastole) rises. This increased pressure is then transmitted back to the left atrium, which in turn leads to elevated pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries. The increased pressure in the lung's blood vessels causes fluid to leak into the surrounding lung tissue, resulting in what is known as pulmonary congestion or edema.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Congestion

Patients experiencing pulmonary congestion often report shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. As the condition worsens, symptoms may progress to include difficulty lying flat at night, also known as orthopnea, or episodes of sudden breathlessness during sleep, referred to as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. In more severe cases, patients may need to sit upright to relieve their breathing discomfort.

Acute Left Heart Failure and Emergency Care

One of the most alarming signs of acute left heart failure is the presence of pink, frothy sputum, which indicates severe pulmonary edema. If this symptom occurs, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Emergency treatment typically includes oxygen therapy and medications aimed at reducing the workload on the heart and improving its function.