Which symptom is associated with left-sided heart failure?

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Multiple Choice

Which symptom is associated with left-sided heart failure?

Explanation:
Left-sided heart failure raises pressure in the pulmonary circulation, causing fluid backup into the lungs. This pulmonary congestion makes it harder to oxygenate blood during activity, so exertion triggers shortness of breath known as exertional dyspnea. The other signs point to right-sided or systemic venous congestion: jugular venous distension reflects elevated right-sided pressures; edema is peripheral swelling from widespread venous backlog; hepatomegaly comes from liver congestion due to increased venous pressure.

Left-sided heart failure raises pressure in the pulmonary circulation, causing fluid backup into the lungs. This pulmonary congestion makes it harder to oxygenate blood during activity, so exertion triggers shortness of breath known as exertional dyspnea. The other signs point to right-sided or systemic venous congestion: jugular venous distension reflects elevated right-sided pressures; edema is peripheral swelling from widespread venous backlog; hepatomegaly comes from liver congestion due to increased venous pressure.

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