What is a key symptom of congestive heart failure?

Shortness of breath and fluid retention are hallmark symptoms of congestive heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to a backup of fluid in the lungs and other areas of the body. As fluid accumulates in the lungs, individuals often experience difficulty breathing, especially during exertion or while lying flat, which is termed dyspnea. Fluid retention, or edema, commonly manifests in the legs, abdomen, and other tissues due to increased pressure in the circulatory system.

The other symptoms listed, such as chest pain and palpitations, can be associated with various cardiac conditions but are not specific indicators of congestive heart failure itself. Nausea and vomiting may occur in some medical conditions but are typically not primary symptoms of heart failure. Severe headache and confusion can indicate different neurological or systemic issues and are not characteristic of congestive heart failure. Thus, shortness of breath and fluid retention succinctly represent the major clinical features of this condition, making them the key symptoms that healthcare providers monitor in patients diagnosed with heart failure.