As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an overview of the causes of left-sided heart failure.
Left-sided heart failure, also known as left ventricular failure, occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. When it fails, it can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other organs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
The causes of left-sided heart failure can be broadly categorized into conditions that affect the heart muscle itself and those that affect the heart's function due to changes in the heart's structure or load:
1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is the most common cause, where the heart's blood supply is reduced due to the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Long-term high blood pressure can damage the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.
3. Valvular Heart Disease: Problems with the heart's valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking), can increase the workload on the left ventricle.
4. Cardiomyopathy: This refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can either thicken it (hypertrophic) or stretch it (dilated), affecting its ability to pump blood.
5. Congenital Heart Disease: Some people are born with structural defects in the heart that can lead to left-sided heart failure.
6. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection, can weaken the heart and lead to failure.
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Certain Infections: Severe infections can put a strain on the heart and lead to failure.
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Toxic Substances: Long-term use of certain drugs or exposure to toxins can damage the heart.
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Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs can increase the workload on the right side of the heart, which can also affect the left side.
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Other Conditions: Kidney or liver disease, anemia, and thyroid problems can also contribute to heart failure.
It's important to note that while these are common causes, each individual's situation is unique, and a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause of left-sided heart failure in any given case.
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