ABSTRACT
Right-sided heart failure is a common problem among pediatric patients due to the prevalence of congenital heart defects and the association with pulmonary hypertension. Approximately 90% of general adult cardiology focuses on the integrity of the left heart structure and function. In the field of pediatric cardiology, more attention is focused on the structure of the right heart particularly in association with congenital heart defects and chronic lung disease. While there is extensive literature on the pathophysiology and treatment of left heart failure, the data for right-sided heart failure is scarce. When added to the complex nature of some of the associated congenital heart defects, right-sided heart failure can be challenging to manage. An understanding of right ventricular physiology and hemodynamics will lead to
a better understanding of current and future treatment strategies for right heart failure. This chapter will review right-sided heart failure among the pediatric population.
