What is a common symptom associated with right-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure often presents with a variety of symptoms that result from the heart's inability to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation. One common manifestation is peripheral edema, where fluid accumulates in the extremities, particularly the feet and ankles, due to increased pressure in the venous system. Alongside peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, or enlargement of the liver, can occur due to congestion of blood in the hepatic veins as the right side of the heart struggles to manage blood flow.

Both symptoms arise as a result of the increased pressure from the failing right ventricle, causing blood to back up in the systemic circulation. Thus, the combination of these two symptoms—peripheral edema and hepatomegaly—are typically seen together in cases of right-sided heart failure. This understanding provides insight into the clinical presentation of this condition and highlights the interconnected nature of cardiovascular health and the body's various systems.