What symptom is typically associated with congestive heart failure?

Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention is typically associated with congestive heart failure because the heart's impaired ability to pump blood effectively can lead to fluid accumulation in the body. When the heart fails to circulate blood efficiently, pressure can build up in the veins, especially in the legs and abdomen, causing the kidneys to retain fluid. This results in edema and an increase in body weight. Patients may notice that they gain weight quickly over a short period, which often reflects fluid retention rather than an increase in body tissue.

In congestive heart failure, the body's compensatory mechanisms can lead to various symptoms, but increased energy and stamina, weight loss with an increased appetite, and severe headaches are not characteristic signs of this condition. Instead, patients typically experience fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance, ongoing fluid retention, and a range of other symptoms related to fluid overload and cardiac output insufficiency.