Left-Sided Heart Failure

Left heart failure is a condition in which the left side of the heart cannot pump blood with enough force to meet the body's needs. As a result, fluids tend to build up, especially in the lungs.

Common symptoms: shortness of breath with exertion or when lying down, fatigue, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing at night.

When to seek care? Shortness of breath that appears or worsens progressively deserves a careful evaluation.

Who treats it? The cardiologist is the specialist who evaluates how the heart works; in children, the pediatric cardiologist handles the follow-up. If you notice that you tire or become short of breath with activities you used to tolerate, it is worth having it reviewed with one of these professionals.