In heart failure patients, what is a common cause of fatigue?

One of the primary reasons that patients with heart failure often experience fatigue is due to inadequate oxygen supply to the body. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which can lead to a decreased delivery of oxygen to various tissues and organs. This reduced oxygenation can result in feelings of tiredness and lack of energy, as the body’s cells are not receiving the necessary oxygen to function optimally.

Additionally, when the heart fails to supply adequate blood flow, the body compensates by redistributing blood to vital organs, which can further deprive less critical areas of sufficient oxygen. This mismatch can exacerbate fatigue, making it a common symptom in heart failure patients.

The other choices, such as excessive exercise or high energy levels, do not apply to heart failure patients, who typically have reduced exercise capacity. Overhydration can lead to fluid overload and worsen heart failure symptoms, thereby not being a direct cause of fatigue in the same context as inadequate oxygen supply.