What are the common signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure?

The common signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, and rapid heartbeat because these manifestations are direct results of the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. In congestive heart failure, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion, which explains the shortness of breath, especially when the individual is active or lying down. Additionally, the heart's reduced output can cause fatigue due to insufficient oxygenated blood reaching the body's tissues. Swelling in the legs, known as peripheral edema, occurs as fluid builds up in the tissues due to increased pressure in the blood vessels. Rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, is the body’s compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate blood flow despite reduced cardiac output. Together, these symptoms are hallmark indicators of congestive heart failure and warrant prompt medical evaluation.