What is a common sign of congestive heart failure in elderly patients?

Fluid retention is a common sign of congestive heart failure (CHF) in elderly patients due to the heart's impaired ability to pump blood effectively. When the heart fails to function properly, it can cause a backlog of blood in the veins, leading to an increase in pressure. This pressure results in fluid leaking out of the blood vessels into surrounding tissues, which manifests as edema, particularly in the lower extremities such as the ankles and legs. Additionally, fluid may accumulate in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and increased difficulty in breathing when lying flat (orthopnea).

In contrast, other options such as weight loss are not typically associated with congestive heart failure; in fact, many patients may experience weight gain due to fluid buildup. Aging skin is a natural part of the aging process, not directly linked to heart failure, and increased energy is generally contrary to the symptoms of CHF, as patients commonly face fatigue and decreased stamina due to their compromised heart function. This makes fluid retention a critical and easily identifiable sign of CHF in the elderly population.