What is the primary consequence of right heart failure?

The primary consequence of right heart failure is indeed the inability to move deoxygenated blood forward. In right heart failure, the right ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation, which leads to reduced flow of deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. This inadequate forward movement can cause blood to back up into the venous system, leading to systemic symptoms such as peripheral edema, ascites, and jugular venous distension.

This condition emphasizes the critical role of the right heart in managing venous return and ensuring efficient oxygenation of blood. When the right heart fails, not only is the forward movement compromised, but it can lead to increased pressure in the systemic venous system due to the backlog, resulting in various clinical manifestations.

The other choices do not capture the primary consequence as accurately. Decreased cardiac output pertains to both types of heart failure but isn’t exclusive to right heart failure alone. The backward movement of blood into the lungs is more representative of left heart failure. Increased stroke volume does not occur in right heart failure, as the efficiency of the right ventricle is decreased, leading to inadequate output.