Which of the following is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?

In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a backup of fluid in various parts of the body. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is peripheral edema, which refers to swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in the tissues, particularly in the legs and ankles. This occurs because when the heart fails to pump efficiently, blood can pool in the veins, increasing hydrostatic pressure and causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.

Peripheral edema is often noticed as a physical symptom and is indicative of fluid overload, which is a characteristic feature of congestive heart failure. Monitoring for signs of edema is an important part of managing and diagnosing this condition, as it can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and requires appropriate treatment interventions to reduce fluid retention and improve cardiac function.