Which symptoms are associated with right-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure primarily involves the inability of the right ventricle to effectively pump blood into the lungs for oxygenation. This inefficiency leads to a backlog of blood in the systemic venous system, resulting in physical manifestations that are characteristic of this condition.

One of the hallmark symptoms of right-sided heart failure is peripheral edema, which occurs due to fluid retention and increased venous pressure. This condition typically manifests as swelling in the legs, ankles, and sometimes the abdomen. Alongside peripheral edema, patients often experience weight gain as a direct consequence of this fluid accumulation, reflecting an increase in total body water rather than an increase in body mass from fat or muscle.

While symptoms such as dyspnea and cough can occur, they are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, which leads to pulmonary congestion. Chest pain and palpitations can occur in various cardiovascular conditions, but they are not primary indicators of right-sided heart failure. Fractures and high blood pressure are unrelated symptoms in this context, as they pertain to different health issues and not specifically to heart failure.

Thus, the symptoms of peripheral edema and weight gain directly reflect the underlying pathophysiology of right-sided heart failure, making them the correct choice in identifying the