What is a common effect of water immersion on patients with congestive heart failure?

A common effect of water immersion on patients with congestive heart failure is improved cardiac output. Water immersion exerts hydrostatic pressure on the body, which helps to reduce the amount of blood pooling in the extremities and encourages circulation back to the heart. This process can enhance the overall functioning of the heart, as it can reduce the workload and improve the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Water immersion can also lead to a shift of blood volume from the periphery to the central circulation, which positively impacts fluid management in heart failure patients. This effect helps alleviate some symptoms associated with congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath, because it reduces venous pressure and can improve overall tolerance to activities.

While it's important to consider that various physiological responses might occur, the primary focus remains on the beneficial aspects of improved cardiac output for those affected by congestive heart failure during water immersion therapy.