Which symptom is the most common in heart failure?

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a hallmark symptom of heart failure and often the most common one experienced by patients. This occurs due to the heart's impaired ability to pump blood effectively, leading to a backlog of fluid in the lungs, which can result in pulmonary congestion. As the lungs become congested with excess fluid, the patient may feel an increasing difficulty in breathing, especially during physical exertion or when lying down, in a condition known as orthopnea.

The prevalence of shortness of breath in heart failure is significant and affects the patient's quality of life, prompting them to seek medical attention. This symptom often drives the diagnosis and management strategies in heart failure care.

While fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations are also associated with heart failure, they are not as universally prominent as shortness of breath. Fatigue can occur as a secondary effect of decreased cardiac output and inadequate perfusion to tissues, and it is commonly reported in many conditions, not just heart failure. Chest pain may arise in some patients, particularly those with concurrent cardiac issues, but it is not specifically indicative of heart failure itself. Palpitations can be an issue for heart failure patients, typically resulting from underlying arrhythmias related