Question: A patient with a known history of left-sided heart failure who experiences symptoms of exacerbation such as cough, shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue, orthopnea at least 3-4 times a year is now hospitalized due to complaints of leg swelling, abdominal distension, anorexia, nausea, and blood in stools. Upon physical examination, the nurse notes increased abdominal girth, 2+ pitting ankle edema bilaterally, and noticeable external hemorrhoids. What is the most likely cause for this patient's new symptoms? Patient has a concomitant unreported history of alcoholism which has now caused liver cirrhosis leading to portal hypertension producing ascites and edema. Left-sided heart failure has caused right-sided heart failure leading to increased venous congestion. This venous congestion causes increased hydrostatic pressure which explains ascites, edema, and hemorrhoids. The patient is experiencing angioedema caused by one of his antihypertensive medications causing generalized swelling. These signs and symptoms are characteristic of left-sided heart failure.