ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a classic symptom of heart failure due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood, leading to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. In heart failure, this fluid backup can cause pulmonary congestion, which often manifests as difficulty breathing, particularly during exertion or while lying down. Patients may also experience orthopnea, which is shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, which is sudden shortness of breath at night. This symptom is critical in identifying heart failure and monitoring its progression, as it directly relates to the inadequate oxygenation of tissues resulting from compromised cardiac function.

While the other symptoms listed, such as chest pain, swelling in the extremities, and a rapid heartbeat, may be associated with heart issues or arise in heart failure cases, they are not as definitive and characteristic as dyspnea, which specifically relates to the impaired ability of the heart to manage blood flow and fluid regulation.