How is heart failure classified anatomically?

Heart failure is classified anatomically primarily by the function of the left or right side of the heart. Left heart failure and right heart failure can occur independently or together, leading to what is termed congestive heart failure.

Left heart failure typically results from conditions such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or valvular heart disease, and it leads to symptoms like pulmonary congestion and shortness of breath. Right heart failure, on the other hand, is often related to conditions like chronic lung diseases, left heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension, leading to systemic venous congestion and symptoms like edema and ascites.

This anatomical classification is crucial because the management of heart failure may vary significantly depending on which side of the heart is primarily affected. Understanding whether the left or right side of the heart is failing helps in tailoring treatment, addressing the underlying cause, and effectively managing symptoms for better patient outcomes.

While severity of symptoms, patient demographics, and the presence of comorbidities are important in the overall assessment and management of heart failure, they do not specifically address the anatomical classification of the condition.