What is a common symptom of left-sided heart failure?

Left-sided heart failure commonly leads to pulmonary edema because the left ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood out to the body. As a result, pressure builds up in the left atrium and subsequently in the pulmonary veins. This increased pressure can cause fluid to leak from the capillaries into the alveoli of the lungs, leading to pulmonary edema. Symptoms of pulmonary edema may include difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and increased shortness of breath, especially when lying down due to the fluid accumulation.

The other choices represent complications associated with heart failure but are more characteristic of right-sided heart failure or other conditions. For instance, pleural effusion, while it can occur in left-sided heart failure due to increased pressures, is not as direct a symptom as pulmonary edema. Jugular venous distention is typically associated with right-sided heart failure, reflecting fluid overload in the systemic venous system. Peripheral edema, which is swelling in the extremities, is also more commonly a sign of right-sided heart failure, where blood backs up in the venous system.

Therefore, pulmonary edema stands out as a primary and immediate consequence of left-sided heart failure, making it the most appropriate answer.