While heart failure has various classifications, understanding whether it primarily affects the right or left side of the heart provides crucial insights into its causes and symptoms.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

• This is the more common type. 
• The left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber that sends oxygen-rich blood to the body, becomes weak or stiff.   
• It has two specific types:

        A. When the left ventricle can't pump effectively (systolic failure or HFrEF)

• Blood backs up into the left atrium and then into the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion. 
• This causes symptoms like shortness of breath (especially during exertion or when lying down), coughing, and fatigue.

        B. When the left ventricle is stiff and can't fill properly (diastolic failure or              HFpEF)

• Although the ejection fraction (amount of blood pumped out) might be normal, the reduced filling also leads to a backup of pressure in the lungs.  

Right-Sided Heart Failure

• This often occurs as a result of left-sided heart failure. 
• When the left side fails, the increased pressure in the lungs makes it harder for the right ventricle to pump blood to the lungs.
• The weakened right ventricle causes blood to back up in the venous system, leading to fluid retention in the body. 
• Common symptoms include swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, and abdomen, as well as weight gain.