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Updated: May 10, 2026

Induction and Phenotyping of Acute Right Heart Failure in a Large Animal Model of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Published on: March 17, 2022
Review of Right Heart Failure
1Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
Insights
Right heart failure (RHF) in cattle, including high-altitude disease (HAD) and bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF), is reviewed. Prevention through genetic selection and managing respiratory issues is crucial for mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Right heart failure (RHF) is a significant concern in cattle populations.
- High-altitude disease (HAD) and bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) are distinct RHF manifestations.
- Understanding RHF pathophysiology, epidemiology, and genetic factors is critical for cattle health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on RHF in cattle, specifically HAD and BCHF.
- To compare the distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms of HAD and BCHF.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and emphasize prevention strategies for RHF in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current research on RHF in cattle.
- Comparative analysis of pathophysiologic mechanisms in HAD and BCHF.
- Discussion of diagnostic methods, including pulmonary arterial pressure testing and postmortem findings.
Main Results:
- RHF in cattle is influenced by genetic susceptibility, hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory disease.
- Distinct pathophysiologic pathways exist for HAD and BCHF.
- Current clinical management for RHF is primarily palliative.
Conclusions:
- Prevention strategies, including genetic selection and control of respiratory stressors, are essential for mitigating RHF in cattle.
- Genomic tools and improved surveillance offer potential for future RHF management.
- Further research is needed to enhance the mitigation of RHF in at-risk cattle populations.
Abstract:
This review summarizes current understanding of right heart failure (RHF) in cattle, focusing on high-altitude disease (HAD) and bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF). It outlines epidemiology, genetic susceptibility, and the roles of hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, and concurrent respiratory disease. Distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying HAD and BCHF are compared, with emphasis on diagnostic challenges, pulmonary arterial pressure testing, and characteristic postmortem lesions. Clinical management remains largely palliative, making prevention-particularly genetic selection and control of respiratory stressors-essential. Emerging genomic tools and improved surveillance may enhance future mitigation of RHF in at-risk cattle populations.
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