In which condition is right heart failure a potential long-term outcome?

Right heart failure can arise as a long-term outcome in pulmonary hypertension due to the increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. In this condition, the right ventricle faces higher resistance when pumping blood into the lungs, leading to hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle) and eventually failure if the elevated pressures are sustained over time.

This hemodynamic change places a significant burden on the right side of the heart. As the condition progresses, the right ventricle can weaken, fail, and cause systemic symptoms related to reduced blood flow and congestion due to the inability to efficiently pump blood. Therefore, pulmonary hypertension directly links to long-term right heart failure, as chronic high pressures necessitate increased cardiac workload on the right heart.

In contrast, aortic stenosis primarily affects the left heart and can lead to left heart failure. Mechanical heart valve issues may impact cardiac function, but they do not inherently lead to right heart failure unless there is a specific complication related to pulmonary vascular resistance. Marfan syndrome can be associated with cardiovascular complications, but the primary concern is often related to aortic dilation or dissection rather than direct right heart failure.