Right heart failure natural history

Overview
The prognosis of right heart failure depends in large part on the underlying cause of the condition. Giving oxygen often improves symptoms, stamina, and survival. Treating primary pulmonary hypertension often leads to greater stamina and a longer life. In some cases, a lung transplant or heart-lung transplant can extend survival.

Nutmeg Liver
As result of the right ventricular failure, blood backs up up into the system venous system, including the hepatic vein. Chronic congestion in the centrilobular region of the liver leads to hypoxia and fatty changes of more peripheral hepatocytes, leading to what's known as nutmeg liver.