ICD-10 Code I50.1 – Left ventricular failure, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I50.1 – Left ventricular failure, unspecified
What it is
I50.1 identifies left ventricular failure, a form of heart failure where the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively. Use it when documentation states left-sided ventricular failure without a more specific heart failure type.
Clinical signs
Common findings include shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of pulmonary congestion, fluid retention, or other heart failure signs.
When to use this code
Use I50.1 when the provider explicitly documents left ventricular failure or left-sided ventricular failure and does not specify a more detailed heart failure code. It may also fit encounters focused on evaluation or follow-up of this diagnosis. Check documentation if the record only says “heart failure” or “CHF.”
Do not use for
Do not use this code for generalized heart failure without left ventricular involvement, or for right-sided heart failure. If the chart specifies systolic, diastolic, combined, or acute/chronic heart failure, choose the documented code instead.
Coding tip
Code the most specific heart failure term documented; if the note only says “left ventricular failure,” I50.1 is appropriate.