Which symptom is associated with right-sided heart failure?

Which symptom is associated with right-sided heart failure?

• A. JVD
• B. Exertional dyspnea
• C. Basilar rales
• D. Chest pain

Answer: (A)

Right-sided heart failure causes a backup of blood into the systemic venous circulation, raising pressures in the jugular veins. This systemic venous congestion is most clearly seen as jugular venous distension, often noticeable when the patient is examined at a comfortable angle. By contrast, exertional dyspnea and basilar rales are more characteristic of left-sided failure with pulmonary congestion, and chest pain is not a typical sign of heart failure itself. So the symptom that best signals right-sided failure is jugular venous distension.

Right-sided heart failure causes a backup of blood into the systemic venous circulation, raising pressures in the jugular veins. This systemic venous congestion is most clearly seen as jugular venous distension, often noticeable when the patient is examined at a comfortable angle. By contrast, exertional dyspnea and basilar rales are more characteristic of left-sided failure with pulmonary congestion, and chest pain is not a typical sign of heart failure itself. So the symptom that best signals right-sided failure is jugular venous distension.