What are common symptoms of right-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure primarily affects the body’s ability to pump blood effectively to the lungs for oxygenation. When the right side of the heart is compromised, it leads to a backlog of blood in the systemic circulation, which can cause fluid to accumulate in various parts of the body. This accumulation, known as edema, often manifests in the extremities, leading to noticeable swelling.

Additionally, the increased pressure in the venous system can also affect the digestive organs, which may result in symptoms like nausea and vomiting due to congestion. Patients with right-sided heart failure may experience peripheral edema (swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles) due to fluid retention. This correlation between right-sided heart failure and the swelling of extremities, along with associated gastrointestinal distress, makes the choice of common symptoms particularly relevant for this type of heart failure.

Understanding these symptoms is essential for both diagnosis and management of the condition, emphasizing the importance of recognizing right-sided heart failure's systemic effects.