Which type of heart failure may slowly worsen over many days?

Right-sided heart failure is characterized by the gradual accumulation of fluid in the body, leading to symptoms like peripheral edema, ascites, and jugular vein distention. This type often develops slowly due to underlying conditions such as chronic lung diseases, left-sided heart failure, or pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to an increase in pressures in the right side of the heart.

In contrast, acute heart failure usually presents suddenly, with rapid onset of symptoms due to significant strain on the heart, often caused by events like myocardial infarction. Left-sided heart failure can also have acute presentations, often leading to pulmonary congestion and shortness of breath. Congestive heart failure is a broader term that encompasses both left and right-sided failures, but it can develop acutely or chronically depending on the underlying cause.

Thus, right-sided heart failure is more commonly associated with a gradual worsening of symptoms over days to weeks, emphasizing the chronic nature of the underlying issues that contribute to its progression.