Which symptom is commonly associated with heart failure?

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a hallmark symptom of heart failure. This occurs because the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a backlog of blood in the lungs. When this happens, fluid can accumulate in the lung tissues, which restricts airflow and makes it difficult for the individual to breathe, particularly during physical activity or while lying flat. This symptom is often experienced as a feeling of breathlessness or an increased effort to take in air.

The other options, while they can be associated with various medical conditions, do not directly relate to the physiological changes that occur in heart failure. For example, frequent headaches can be caused by a variety of issues such as tension, stress, or migraine conditions, but they are not indicative of heart function. Skin rashes typically signal dermatological or allergic reactions rather than cardiovascular complications. Intense back pain could result from musculoskeletal issues or other causes but is not a characteristic sign of heart failure. Thus, shortness of breath stands out as a key symptom that helps identify heart failure in patients.