NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which symptom is associated with left-sided heart failure?

1. Lower extremity edema

2. Stomach pain

3. Orthopnea

4. Heart palpitations

The correct answer is: Orthopnea

In the context of left-sided heart failure, orthopnea is a significant symptom that arises due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which typically worsens when the patient is lying flat. This position increases venous return to the heart, exacerbating pulmonary congestion and leading to shortness of breath. Patients often find relief by sitting up or using extra pillows when sleeping, a behavior known as orthopnea. While lower extremity edema can occur in heart failure, it is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation systemically rather than pulmonary congestion. Stomach pain can result from various gastrointestinal issues, but it is not specifically linked to left-sided heart failure. Heart palpitations can occur in several cardiac conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, but they do not describe a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure like orthopnea does. This makes orthopnea the most distinct symptom related to the clinical presentation of left-sided heart failure.