Heart Failure – Right Sided (HEAD), Left-Sided (CHOP) Nursing Mnemonic

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Outline

HEAD - Right Sided

• H-Hepatomegaly
• E-Edema (Bipedal)
• A-Ascites
• D-Distended Neck Veins

CHOP - Left-Sided

• C-Cough
• H-Hemoptysis
• O-Orthopnea
• P-Pulmonary Congestion (crackles/rales) 

Description

Right sided heart failure will primarily manifest as central edema as the right side of the heart takes fluid from the body and moves it forward. If this portion of the pump is broken, fluid will become “backed up” behind the pump and therefore within the body.

Left sided heart failure will primarily manifest as pulmonary edema as the left side of the heart moves blood from the lungs throughout the body. If this portion of the pump is broken the blood will become “backed up” within the lungs. Left sided heart failure can often lead to right sided heart failure.