What is right side heart failure vs. left sided?

Right heart failure: Right heart failure refers to weakness or stiffness involving the right ventricle or lower chamber as opposed to the left ventricle. This causes a unique constellation of symptoms including swelling in abdomen and legs, liver malfunction, weakness and shortness of breath.

Physical exam: Fluid accumulates during congestive heart failure. When the right side of the heart fails, fluid accumulates in the legs and abdomen. When the left side of the heart fails, fluid accumulates in the lungs and makes the patient short of breath. Not infrequently, both sides of the heart fail at the same time.