Diagnosis (left venticular insufficiency)

Upon conducting an examination of the heart, one can observe the left ventricle has been displaced to the bottom left, the heart sounds are muted, fast and a galloping rhythm and systolic noise can be heard at the apex of the heart as a consequence of the functional mitral insufficiency. At the base of both lungs one can hear faint stasis rales; at times a pleural liquid may appear, which pertains to the transudate type. Patients do not suffer from edemas and the venous pressure is normal.

Radiological examinations indicate an enlarged left ventricle, hilar and basal lung stases; at times hydrothorax (liquid accumulation), more often occuring on the right.

The electrocardiogram exhibits signs of overload to the left ventricle, which is often accompanied by a blockage of the left branch.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 19 Jun 2018
Medical Author: Dr. med. Diana Hysi