What is a common symptom of congestive heart failure in older adults?

Peripheral edema, which is swelling in the legs and feet, is a common symptom of congestive heart failure in older adults due to the heart's impaired ability to pump blood effectively. As heart failure progresses, fluid builds up in the body's tissues, leading to swelling, particularly in the lower extremities because of gravity. This accumulation is a direct consequence of increased venous pressure and fluid overload, hallmark characteristics of congestive heart failure.

While shortness of breath during physical activity is also a common symptom of this condition, it is generally more related to the heart's reduced capacity to meet the body's oxygen demands during exertion. Chest pain while walking may occur, but it is not as definitive or prevalent in the context of congestive heart failure as peripheral edema. An increased heart rate at rest can be observed in various cardiac conditions but is not exclusive to congestive heart failure and does not present in all patients. The prominence of peripheral edema in older adults with congestive heart failure makes it a key symptom to recognize and address clinically.