Which type of heart failure generally leads to the development of pulmonary congestion?

The development of pulmonary congestion is most commonly associated with left heart failure. In this condition, the left ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood into the systemic circulation, leading to an increase in pressure within the left atrium and subsequently in the pulmonary veins. This pressure buildup causes fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the lung tissues, resulting in pulmonary congestion. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and difficulty breathing, particularly when lying down.

While both diastolic and systolic heart failures can contribute to pulmonary congestion, the term "left heart failure" specifically emphasizes the left side of the heart's inability to manage blood flow effectively, directly resulting in the outlined symptoms associated with pulmonary congestion. Right heart failure, on the other hand, primarily affects the systemic circulation and can lead to peripheral edema and congestion in the abdomen but not directly cause pulmonary congestion. Thus, left heart failure specifically is the type that leads to pulmonary congestion.