Which exercise limitation is frequently observed in patients with heart failure?

Patients with heart failure often experience oxygen desaturation during activity due to the compromised ability of their hearts to pump blood effectively. As the heart struggles to meet the oxygen demands of the body during exercise, it can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to the muscles and vital organs. This results in a noticeable decrease in oxygen saturation levels, which can manifest during physical exertion.

In contrast, high exercise capacity, increased blood flow to extremities, and increased heart rate response are not typical features of heart failure. In fact, individuals with heart failure generally have reduced exercise capacity, where even moderate physical activity can lead to marked fatigue and breathlessness. Oxygen desaturation is a common clinical finding in this population, reflecting the limited capacity of the circulatory system to supply sufficient oxygen during periods of increased demand.