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4. Left-Sided Heart Failure

Orthopnea indicates a problem with the lungs and is a common indicator of left-sided heart failure. The left side of the heart is responsible for receiving freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumping it out into the body. When the left side of the heart is not working properly, blood cannot follow its normal path and backs up into the lungs. Lying down exacerbates this condition because gravity is no longer helping the blood move down into the legs and feet.

Left Sided Heart Failure Juanmonino / Getty Images

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