Which of the following is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?

Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs due to the heart's reduced ability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. This fluid accumulation can result in pulmonary congestion and the sensation of breathlessness, especially during exertion or when lying flat. Patients may also experience orthopnea, where they struggle to breathe while lying down, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, which is a sudden awakening during the night due to severe shortness of breath.

In contrast, other symptoms listed, such as acute renal failure, can be a consequence of severe heart failure but are not direct symptoms. Severe headache is not typically associated with CHF and might indicate other issues, while chest pain can occur in various conditions, including angina or myocardial infarction, but is not a defining symptom of heart failure. Therefore, shortness of breath directly correlates with the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure and is crucial for identifying the condition.