What symptom would likely indicate right-sided heart failure?

Dependent edema is a classic symptom of right-sided heart failure. This condition occurs when the right ventricle is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to increased pressure and fluid retention in the systemic circulation. As a result, excess fluid builds up in the tissues, particularly in the lower extremities, causing swelling or edema. This fluid accumulation can be particularly pronounced in areas that are dependent, such as the feet and legs, especially after prolonged periods of sitting or standing.

In contrast, other symptoms associated with heart failure primarily stem from left-sided heart failure or pulmonary complications. Wheezing and frothy cough, for instance, are more indicative of left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the lungs. A displaced point of maximal impulse (PMI) can suggest left ventricular hypertrophy or enlargement but does not specifically point to right-sided heart failure. Coarse rales are also more related to pulmonary congestion typically seen in left-sided heart failure. Therefore, the presence of dependent edema distinctly points to the systemic effects of right-sided heart failure.