Human Anatomy & Physiology (9th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321743261
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-326-8

Chapter 18 - The Cardiovascular System: The Heart - Review Questions - Critical Thinking and Clinical Application Questions - Page 690: 3

Answer

Left ventricular failure prevents fluid from moving out of the systemic circulation, causing fluid backup in the body that will cause cool skin and fluid deposition in the lungs. The decreased flow of blood to the lungs means that organs, especially the heart is oxygen-deprived, which may cause chest pain.

Work Step by Step

Left ventricular failure means that the heart is not able to pump enough blood that enters from the body to the lungs to be oxygenated and the heart will increase its workload in order to compensate. Since blood can not efficiently leave the left ventricle, blood will begin to back up in the body's systemic circulation, which means fluid builds up in the tissues as it is not being taken away by the blood. The decreased blood flow also stimulates the kidneys to retain fluid in order to increase blood pressure to in turn increase perfusion. The decreased oxygenation of blood means that the heart is being starved of oxygen, which may be causing the heart muscle to die.
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