What are the symptoms for right-sided heart failure?

The symptoms of right-sided heart failure include lower-extremity edema (swelling), abdominal bloating, nausea and fatigue.

Right-sided heart failure is when the right ventricular fails to have adequate contraction. Pressure builds up on the venous side of the circulation and cause leg swelling, fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and failure of the right side of the heart to deliver blood to the left side of the heart.

Right-sided heart failure refers to failure predominately of the right ventricle.  This syndrome is characterized by excess fluid accumulation in the body.  This is most notably characterized by swelling under the skin which is known as peripheral edema.  This usually affects more dependent areas of the body such as feet and ankles and the lower extremities in general.  Other areas that fluid may accumulate in include the abdominal cavity.  This may include excess fluid within the central veins of the body including the inferior vena cava, liver and leg veins.  At times, if the pressure in the veins is prolonged and severe, fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity develops.  This is referred to as ascites.  Patients also may suffer from hepatomegaly.  This refers to enlargement of the liver.  This occurs due to venous congestion of the liver itself which causes swelling of the entire organ.