ABSTRACT
Right heart failure often arises as a consequence of left heart failure. As a result of the increased pulmonary pressure that accompanies left heart failure, the resistance to blood flow now faced by the right ventricle is significantly increased as it pumps blood to the lungs. Over time, the increased workload on the right ventricle leads to dilation and eventual failure of the right heart (see Figure 12.2). Right heart failure may also result from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis or adult respiratory distress syndrome (see Chapter 14
).
