What is a common symptom of right-sided CHF?

Right-sided congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by the heart's inability to effectively pump blood to the lungs, which can lead to a range of symptoms primarily related to fluid retention and systemic congestion. One common symptom associated with right-sided CHF is abdominal swelling, also known as ascites.

Abdominal swelling occurs due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. This happens because the right side of the heart struggles to manage the returning blood from the systemic circulation, leading to increased pressure in the veins and causing fluid to leak out into surrounding tissues, including the abdomen. In severe cases, this can lead to distension and discomfort, making abdominal swelling a hallmark sign of right-sided heart failure.

While shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations are indeed symptoms associated with heart failure, they are more commonly related to left-sided heart failure or can be seen in heart failure in general. Shortness of breath, for instance, is primarily due to pulmonary congestion from left-sided heart failure, while fatigue may arise from diminished cardiac output affecting overall energy levels. Palpitations can be seen in various cardiovascular conditions and are not specific to right-sided heart failure. Thus, abdominal swelling is distinctively linked to the consequences of right-sided CHF.