Question

which of the following is the backward effect of sudden, acute lvf?
sudden, painful enlargement of the liver
pulmonary congestion
swollen ankles
syncopal episodes

Explanation:

When there is sudden, acute left - ventricular failure (LVF), the backward effect refers to the consequences in the circulation that is upstream (in terms of blood flow direction) from the left ventricle. The left ventricle pumps blood to the systemic circulation. When it fails, blood backs up into the left atrium and then into the pulmonary veins. This leads to pulmonary congestion as the blood has nowhere to go in the pulmonary circulation due to the left - sided heart failure.

• Sudden, painful enlargement of the liver is more associated with right - sided heart failure (as the right ventricle failure leads to backup in the systemic venous circulation, including the hepatic veins).
• Swollen ankles are also a sign of right - sided heart failure (due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the systemic capillaries).
• Syncopal episodes (fainting) are more related to decreased cardiac output (forward failure of the heart, not backward failure) which can lead to decreased cerebral perfusion.

Answer:

Pulmonary congestion