What is the most common cause of left-sided heart failure?

The most common cause of left-sided heart failure is coronary artery disease. This condition arises when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Over time, this diminished blood supply can weaken the heart’s ability to pump effectively, resulting in heart failure. Patients often present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, which are characteristic of left-sided heart failure.

Coronary artery disease is prevalent due to various risk factors, including age, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. It is critical in the context of heart failure, as it may lead to ischemic heart disease, where the heart muscle does not receive adequate oxygen, further impairing its function and contributing to heart failure.

While conditions like hypertension, myocarditis, and valvular heart disease can also lead to left-sided heart failure, they are not as common or as significant a cause as coronary artery disease. Thus, understanding the role of coronary artery disease is essential for recognizing and managing left-sided heart failure effectively.