Which of the following causes right side heart failure?

Prepare for the CVRN-BC Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Excel in your cardiovascular nursing certification!

Right-sided heart failure can be significantly influenced by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to the impacts of cor pulmonale, which is a condition that arises from long-term high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. In COPD, chronic hypoxemia leads to constriction of the pulmonary arteries, causing increased pressure that the right ventricle has to work against. Over time, this increased workload can lead to the dilatation and failure of the right ventricle, resulting in symptoms associated with right-sided heart failure such as peripheral edema, increased jugular venous distension, and ascites.

While coronary artery disease, systemic hypertension, and mitral valve disease primarily impact left heart function and can eventually affect the right side due to fluid overload or increased pressures, COPD distinctly leads to right heart failure through its direct effects on pulmonary circulation. Understanding the pathophysiology of these conditions emphasizes the importance of recognizing how respiratory diseases can create vascular changes that ultimately impact heart function.

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