Which symptom is most typical of heart failure?

Which symptom is most typical of heart failure?

• A. Edema of the legs
• B. Shortness of breath on exertion
• C. Dizziness
• D. Cough with production

Answer: (B)

Exertional shortness of breath is the symptom most typical of heart failure. When the heart’s pumping ability declines, pressure builds up in the left side of the heart and lungs, causing pulmonary congestion. That makes activity harder and leads to reduced exercise tolerance and breathlessness with effort. Peripheral edema can occur because of fluid retention and raised venous pressures, but it’s not as specific to heart failure and may be seen in other conditions. Dizziness and a productive cough can occur, but they’re less characteristic than dyspnea on exertion, which often emerges early as the heart struggles to meet the body’s oxygen demands during activity.

Exertional shortness of breath is the symptom most typical of heart failure. When the heart’s pumping ability declines, pressure builds up in the left side of the heart and lungs, causing pulmonary congestion. That makes activity harder and leads to reduced exercise tolerance and breathlessness with effort. Peripheral edema can occur because of fluid retention and raised venous pressures, but it’s not as specific to heart failure and may be seen in other conditions. Dizziness and a productive cough can occur, but they’re less characteristic than dyspnea on exertion, which often emerges early as the heart struggles to meet the body’s oxygen demands during activity.