What is a common symptom of both left-sided and right-sided heart failure?

Fatigue is a common symptom associated with both left-sided and right-sided heart failure due to the overall reduction in the heart's ability to pump effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output. When the heart struggles to maintain adequate circulation, the body often reacts with feelings of tiredness and weakness. This is particularly prevalent in elderly patients, who may already have reduced physical reserves.

In left-sided heart failure, the inadequate pumping leads to pulmonary congestion, which can contribute to fatigue through decreased oxygenation due to exertional dyspnea. Meanwhile, right-sided heart failure can cause systemic congestion, also contributing to a generalized feeling of fatigue as the body struggles to meet metabolic needs. Hence, regardless of the side that is failing, fatigue can manifest as a unifying symptom experienced by patients suffering from heart failure.