Which type of heart failure is described as the inability of the right side of the heart to pump venous blood into the pulmonary circulation?

The type of heart failure characterized by the inability of the right side of the heart to effectively pump venous blood into the pulmonary circulation is known as cor pulmonale. This condition often arises due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, frequently resulting from diseases that affect the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension.

In cor pulmonale, the right ventricle faces an increased workload as it attempts to push blood through the lungs, which can lead to right-sided heart failure. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and abdomen due to fluid retention.

Other types of heart failure, such as congestive heart failure, involve overall heart dysfunction that can affect both sides. Left heart failure specifically pertains to the left side's inability to pump effectively, which is not the focus of this question. Systolic heart failure deals with the heart's reduced ability to contract, affecting the heart's output, but again, it does not specifically target the right side's function as cor pulmonale does.