CHF ( Left or Right Failure)

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Specializes in Emergency - Pediatric.

Hi everyone!

I have to do some student teaching on CHF and was wondering if anyone knew of a great website that explains the difference between left and right sided failure. Or, if any of you cardiac nurses can help me out, that will be great! I know that things like COPD which can lead to pulmonary hypertension can cause right sided and that left sided backs up and can eventually cause right sided. For some reason, I get so confused so any help will be much appreciated!

Only 8 weeks left till I'm done!!!!

:monkeydance:

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Specializes in Cardiology.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000154.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000152.htm

Medline is a great source to give you a quick idea. These articles are just a start. Good luck.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

L is for LEFT and affects the LUNGS. R is for RIGHT and affects the REST of the body.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

Go to http://www.howstuffworks.com/ and type in heart failure.

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Specializes in SICU, MICU, CICU, NeuroICU.
L is for LEFT and affects the LUNGS. R is for RIGHT and affects the REST of the body.

If you think of where the blood comes from, then you'll know which parts are affected by HF.

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Specializes in rehab, ortho, cardiac.

left- blood pools into the lungs.

right- usually the rest of the body, think edema.

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