CARDIAC CONDITIONS - Left ventricular failure

What is left ventricular failure?

Left ventricular failure happens when the left ventricle (the lower chamber in the left side) of the heart fails to pump out all the blood that is delivered to it by the right ventricle at a satisfactory rate. This diminishes the amount of oxygenated blood circulating around the body, supplying the brain and the heart itself.

What causes it to happen?

Common causes of left ventricular failure include high blood pressure, aortic or mitral valve disease, a heart attack, or artery disease (atherosclerosis).

Signs & Symptoms

Tiredness Shortness of breath Noisy, wheezy breathing Distended neck veins Blood stained/frothy sputum Difficulty breathing except in an upright position (Orthopnea) Sweating

Treatment

Make the patient as comfortable as possible, if possible seated as the feet will be lower than the torso Calm the patient and give plenty of reassurance and encouragement Give oxygen therapy (100% mask @ 15 litres per minute) Administer the patient's own medication - if he has any. Help if necessary Constantly monitor the situation: record breathing and pulse every 10 minutes Keep the patient calm and quiet until help arrives Do not force the patient to lie down

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