Which statement regarding congestive heart failure is true?

The correct statement regarding congestive heart failure is that patients may experience exertional dyspnea. In congestive heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised, leading to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and surrounding tissues. This condition often results in difficulty breathing, particularly during physical activity, known as exertional dyspnea. As the demand for oxygen increases with exercise, individuals with heart failure may struggle to meet those demands, resulting in shortness of breath.

Exertional dyspnea is a key symptom of heart failure and is a critical factor in determining exercise prescriptions for these patients, as it influences their functional capacity and quality of life. Careful consideration must be given to exercise programming for individuals with heart failure, focusing on guidelines that ensure safety and avoid excessive strain.

The other options do not accurately portray the characteristics or management of congestive heart failure. For instance, while an ejection fraction of less than 50% can indicate certain forms of heart failure, heart failure can exist with a preserved ejection fraction as well. Weight loss is not inherently common following a few weeks of training, as many patients may experience weight gain due to fluid retention. Finally, encouraging patients to exercise to the point of fatigue is