One of the signs of right-sided heart failure includes:

In the context of right-sided heart failure, one of the hallmark signs is pitting edema. This condition arises primarily due to the body’s inability to adequately manage venous return and fluid balance. As the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, it leads to increased venous pressure, which causes fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, particularly in the lower extremities. The result is visible swelling, known as edema, which can also be classified as "pitting" when pressure applied to the swollen area leaves an indentation.

In contrast, other signs such as crackles on auscultation and pink, frothy sputum are more indicative of left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion. Orthopnea is typically associated with left heart failure as well, as patients may have difficulty breathing while lying flat due to increased venous return and pulmonary congestion. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the manifestations of heart failure and guiding appropriate management and treatment.