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

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a hallmark symptom of heart failure. This condition arises when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a backlog of fluid in the lungs and a consequent increase in pulmonary pressure. This situation causes difficulty in breathing, especially during physical exertion or while lying down, which are key indicators of heart failure.

In contrast, the other options do not characterize heart failure symptoms. Frequent headaches are more associated with conditions like tension headaches or migraines rather than heart failure. Severe chest pain typically indicates other issues such as angina or myocardial infarction rather than heart failure itself. Blurred vision can be a result of various eye conditions or systemic issues but is not a common symptom specifically linked to heart failure. Understanding these distinctions is essential in recognizing the signs and symptoms associated with cardiovascular conditions.