What is a common symptom found in a patient admitted with right-sided heart failure?

In right-sided heart failure, the primary issue is the inability of the heart to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation. This leads to various systemic symptoms and signs, one of the most common being dependent edema. This occurs because increased pressure in the venous system results in fluid being pushed out of the capillaries into the surrounding tissues, particularly in the lower extremities when a person is standing or sitting. Dependent edema is typically observed in areas where gravity plays a role, such as the feet or legs.

While other symptoms such as pulmonary crackles and hepatomegaly can occur, they are more characteristic of left-sided heart failure or advanced systemic effects of right-sided failure. For instance, pulmonary crackles are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, usually more associated with left-sided heart dysfunction. Cyanosis, which refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin due to inadequate oxygenation, can happen but is not as specifically tied to right-sided heart failure as dependent edema is.

Overall, the link between right-sided heart failure and the development of dependent edema is strong, making it a key symptom observed in these patients.