Why does heart failure cause ascites?

Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

Updated on September 04, 2024

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Heart failure is relatively common in clinical settings, primarily divided into left heart failure, right heart failure, and global heart failure. The clinical manifestations of left heart failure are mainly reflected in symptoms of pulmonary congestion. It can present as varying degrees of dyspnea, cough, expectoration, palpitations, and fatigue. Right heart failure is mainly due to obstruction of the inferior vena cava flow, leading to increased venous pressure and capillary pressure. This causes plasma components to extravasate and ultimately leads to the formation of ascites. Global heart failure includes the symptoms of both left and right heart failure. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly after heart failure occurs.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang

Intensive Care Unit

49sec

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Why does heart failure cause edema?

Edema caused by heart failure is mainly due to heart dysfunction, resulting in systemic circulation, venous congestion, and excessive fluid accumulation in the body's tissue spaces. The primary cause is right heart failure or total heart failure, and some special cases of pericarditis. The edema caused by this type of heart failure is often symmetrical, indenting, and sagging, and usually worsens with activity and lessens with rest. The common locations for fluid accumulation are in the sacral and perineal areas, while bedridden patients often show it in the ankle area. In severe cases, patients may experience generalized edema, and even develop ascites and pleural effusion. This condition is known as heart failure, and the type of edema it causes is called cardiogenic edema.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

53sec

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Can childbirth lead to heart failure?

Childbirth refers to the delivery of a fetus through vaginal delivery or cesarean section, and it represents a significant strain on a woman’s heart. Regardless of the type of delivery, there is a possibility of leading to heart failure to some extent. Especially during the second stage of labor, pregnant women often exert greater effort, significantly increasing the load on the heart. If there is poor heart function or pre-existing cardiac disease, it could lead to heart failure. In some cases, if the heart disease is severe and cannot withstand delivery, a cesarean section must be chosen. However, cesarean delivery can also lead to heart failure, mainly due to a large amount of blood flowing back to the peripheral circulation from the uterus after the fetus is delivered, causing a significant increase in the preload on the heart and easily leading to the onset of heart failure.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

49sec

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Why does heart failure cause ascites?

Heart failure is relatively common in clinical settings, primarily divided into left heart failure, right heart failure, and global heart failure. The clinical manifestations of left heart failure are mainly reflected in symptoms of pulmonary congestion. It can present as varying degrees of dyspnea, cough, expectoration, palpitations, and fatigue. Right heart failure is mainly due to obstruction of the inferior vena cava flow, leading to increased venous pressure and capillary pressure. This causes plasma components to extravasate and ultimately leads to the formation of ascites. Global heart failure includes the symptoms of both left and right heart failure. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly after heart failure occurs.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

50sec

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Can people with heart failure eat fish?

Patients with heart failure can eat fish, as fish contains a large amount of high-quality protein, vitamin B, trace elements, and minerals. Consuming fish can increase the high-quality protein the body needs, enhance the body's immunity and disease resistance. Especially for patients with heart failure, who suffer from chronic myocardial ischemia, need nutritional support. When preparing fish, it should not be made too salty, as patients with heart failure should follow a low-salt diet. If the fish is too salty, consuming it in excess could exacerbate heart failure. Preparing fish in a lighter way, such as making fish soup, can not only supplement the body's high-quality protein but also be easier to digest.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang

Intensive Care Unit

53sec

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Causes of Acute Heart Failure

The main causes of acute heart failure include coronary heart disease, valvular disease, hypertension, and cardiomyopathies, such as toxic cardiomyopathy or hypothyroidism-related cardiomyopathy, as well as idiopathic cardiomyopathy. Myocarditis and arrhythmia-related causes can also lead to heart failure, but there are often triggers present clinically. Common triggers include poor treatment compliance, arrhythmias, anemia, infections, myocardial ischemia, excessive fluid intake, poor dietary control, and increased cardiac output, such as during strenuous activity and pregnancy, which can lead to increased cardiac output and cause heart failure. Conditions such as excessive fluid volume, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and pulmonary embolism can also trigger heart failure.