Which symptom is a characteristic manifestation of left-sided heart failure?

Orthopnea is a characteristic manifestation of left-sided heart failure because it refers to the difficulty in breathing when lying flat. In left-sided heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to a backup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion). When a person with this condition lies down, the fluid from the lower parts of the body can shift into the pulmonary circulation, increasing pulmonary congestion and making it harder to breathe.

This symptom is particularly telling, as individuals often use multiple pillows or find it necessary to sit up to alleviate shortness of breath while trying to sleep, a condition known as nocturnal dyspnea. This phenomenon is closely linked to the impaired function of the left ventricle, which is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the body's tissues, including the lungs.

The other options, while related to different conditions or forms of heart failure, do not specifically highlight the pulmonary effects associated with left-sided heart failure in the same way orthopnea does.