Which of the following is a common symptom associated with chronic heart failure?

Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of chronic heart failure, primarily due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary congestion. In chronic heart failure, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, which leads to elevated pressures in the heart and subsequently in the pulmonary circulation. This causes fluid to leak from the capillaries into the interstitial space and alveoli, resulting in shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying flat (orthopnea).

While weight gain can also occur due to fluid retention in heart failure, it is not as consistently recognized as a defining symptom as shortness of breath. Skin rashes and headaches are not typical features of chronic heart failure and are more likely associated with other medical conditions or responses. Thus, shortness of breath stands out as a primary and commonly recognized symptom that directly relates to the pathophysiological processes occurring in chronic heart failure.