What is a common symptom of heart failure?

Fatigue and shortness of breath are common symptoms of heart failure due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. When the heart cannot provide sufficient blood flow, tissues and organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to a feeling of fatigue. Shortness of breath occurs because the heart's impaired pumping function can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary congestion). This buildup can make it difficult for a person to catch their breath, especially during physical activity or when lying flat.

In contrast, while increased heart rate, fainting, and chest pain can occasionally be associated with heart failure, they are not as characteristic or common as fatigue and shortness of breath. Increased heart rate may occur as a compensatory mechanism but is not a definitive symptom. Fainting can happen in some cases, particularly during severe episodes, but it is not a hallmark symptom of the condition itself. Chest pain is more commonly associated with acute conditions like coronary artery disease rather than heart failure. Therefore, fatigue and shortness of breath are the primary symptoms that reflect the chronic nature of heart failure and its impact on the body’s functionality.