What should you know about right congestive heart failure?

The right ventricle receives blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. If that pumping action is weakened or the pressure in the lung circulation is high, blood may back up in the veins. This can cause swollen ankles and legs, abdominal fullness, rapid changes in weight, reduced appetite or tiredness. Breathlessness may also occur, especially when left-sided heart disease is present. High blood pressure, an abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation, or disease affecting the lungs and heart can be part of the wider picture. These symptoms can have other causes, so an examination is needed.

Book a review if swelling persists, shoes or rings become tight, walking becomes harder, or you develop new fatigue or palpitations. Record when swelling is worst and whether it improves overnight. Use prescribed medicines exactly as instructed and do not start water tablets or restrict fluids without advice. A chronic disease review can help monitor blood pressure, heart rhythm, kidney function, medicines and fluid-related symptoms.

Get emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, chest pain, new confusion, blue lips or a sudden major deterioration. Contact a clinician promptly if swelling spreads quickly, the abdomen becomes very tense, or you cannot keep medicines or fluids down because of vomiting.

Ask what may be driving the right-sided strain, how to track fluid retention, whether your medicines need review, and which swelling or breathing changes should be treated as urgent.