What symptom is NOT typically associated with congestive heart failure (CHF)?

In congestive heart failure (CHF), the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, which leads to a series of clinical symptoms related to fluid retention and inadequate blood circulation. Shortness of breath (SOB) is a common symptom as congestive heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion. This results in difficulty breathing, especially when lying flat or during physical activity.

A rapid or irregular pulse occurs because the heart may try to compensate for its reduced output by beating faster to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs. Weight gain can occur due to fluid retention caused by the heart’s inability to circulate blood adequately, which leads to the buildup of fluid in the tissues.

In contrast, increased stamina is not a symptom associated with congestive heart failure. In fact, individuals with CHF often experience decreased stamina and fatigue due to diminished cardiac output and the body’s strained condition. Therefore, the presence of increased stamina would be inconsistent with the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure.