Which is a sign of right-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness Of Breath
• B. Chest Pain
• C. Peripheral Edema
• D. Cough

Answer: (C)

Right-sided heart failure causes fluid to back up into the systemic circulation, leading to congestion in the body’s tissues. The most recognizable sign of this is peripheral edema, especially in the legs and ankles, as fluid leaks into interstitial spaces under the influence of gravity. You may also see jugular venous distention, liver enlargement, ascites, and abdominal fullness from the same backward pressure.

In contrast, signs that point to left-sided heart failure come from fluid backing up into the lungs, producing shortness of breath, coughing, and related symptoms like orthopnea. Chest pain isn’t a typical feature of heart failure itself and would more likely suggest an ischemic problem unless explained by another condition.

So peripheral edema best reflects right-sided heart failure because it directly mirrors the systemic venous congestion caused by the failing right ventricle.