Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. The oxygen and nutrients in the blood provide the body with the energy it needs to operate efficiently. Heart failure may affect the left, right, or both sides of the heart. If the left half of the heart fails (left ventricular failure), fluid will build up in the lungs due to congestion of the veins of the lungs.

If the right half of the heart fails (right ventricular failure), general body vein pressure will increase and fluid will accumulate in the body, especially the tissues of the legs and abdominal organs (of these, the liver is the organ most likely to be affected).

Often left heart failure leads to right heart failure causing biventricular failure.

Left-sided heart failure

• Shortness of breath together with a reduction in mobility.
• In less severe cases, breathing problems only occur upon exertion.
• A chronic dry cough may develop.
• Fatigue.

Right-sided heart failure/biventricular failure

• Swelling in the legs (oedema).
• The oedema may lead to dry skin on the lower part of the legs due to pressure from inside the tissue. There may also be an eczema-type rash which can be complicated by ulcers which do not heal (venous leg ulcers).
• Possible accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and organs, especially the liver. The organs swell and the abdominal wall might expand.