Fatigue, edema, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of what condition?

Fatigue, edema, and shortness of breath are hallmark symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). In CHF, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to fluid buildup in the body's tissues (edema), particularly in the legs and lungs. This fluid accumulation contributes to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down, a condition known as orthopnea. Fatigue is also prevalent, as the body struggles to meet its energy demands due to poor circulation and oxygen delivery.

While asthma, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis can cause shortness of breath, they do not typically present with the combination of fatigue and edema seen in CHF. Asthma primarily involves narrowing of the airways, pneumonia involves an infection leading to inflammation in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis is marked by a persistent cough and mucus production, rather than the systemic symptoms associated with heart failure. This distinct combination of symptoms—fatigue, edema, and shortness of breath—therefore points strongly to Congestive Heart Failure as the correct diagnosis.