A patient is diagnosed with heart failure and reports unexplained weight gain and swelling in the lower extremities. Which pathophysiological process is most likely causing these symptoms?
Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
The correct answer is fluid retention caused by the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In heart failure, reduced cardiac output triggers RAAS to increase fluid retention and sodium reabsorption in an attempt to improve blood pressure and perfusion. However, this can worsen symptoms like edema and weight gain. The other options, while related to heart failure or similar symptoms, do not directly explain the primary process causing these specific clinical manifestations.
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