What should you know about ventricular heart failure?

The ventricles are the heart’s main pumping chambers. If the left ventricle struggles, fluid may collect in the lungs and breathing can become difficult. If the right ventricle is affected, fluid can build up in the legs, ankles or abdomen. Some people have reduced pumping strength; others have a ventricle that is stiff and does not fill normally. Heart failure can develop alongside hypertension or an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. Common presentations include breathlessness, cough, fatigue, palpitations and swollen ankles, but these symptoms can have other causes.

Arrange a medical assessment if symptoms are new, persistent or worsening. A clinician may review your history, examine your heart and lungs, check your blood pressure and arrange tests such as an ECG, blood tests or heart imaging. Take prescribed medicines as directed and do not stop them suddenly. Track changes in breathlessness, weight, swelling and exercise tolerance, and bring the record to a chronic disease review. Ask which activity, salt and fluid guidance applies to your situation, because advice should match your heart function and other conditions.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, especially at rest, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, chest pressure, or coughing up frothy or blood-stained fluid. Seek prompt clinical advice for rapidly increasing ankle swelling, a sudden fall in exercise tolerance, persistent palpitations or symptoms that wake you repeatedly at night. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely short of breath.

Which ventricle is affected, and is the problem mainly pumping or filling? What symptoms should prompt a same-day call? How should I monitor swelling, breathing and medicines at home? Could hypertension or atrial fibrillation be contributing?