Right heart failure due to left heart failure

This code signifies a specific type of heart failure where the right ventricle's inability to pump blood effectively is a direct consequence of elevated pressures originating from the failing left ventricle. This condition, often referred to as biventricular failure with the left side as the primary etiology, leads to systemic venous congestion.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "right heart failure due to left heart failure" or "biventricular heart failure with left-sided etiology." This typically occurs in patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction, such as severe systolic or diastolic heart failure, leading to pulmonary hypertension and subsequent right ventricular strain.

• Ensure the documentation clearly establishes a causal link between the left and right heart failure.
• Do not use this code if the right heart failure is with left heart failure but not due to it; refer to the Excludes1 note.
• Code the underlying left heart failure (e.g., I50.2x, I50.3x, I50.4x) as a secondary diagnosis, if applicable and not already inherent in the primary diagnosis.