An elderly patient with increased pedal edema and dyspnea shows an ejection fraction of 35%. What is the MOST descriptive diagnosis?

The diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) is most descriptive in this scenario given the patient's symptoms and clinical findings. An ejection fraction of 35% indicates significant left ventricular dysfunction, which is a common characteristic of heart failure. The symptoms of increased pedal edema and dyspnea align closely with the clinical presentation of heart failure, where fluid overload often results in peripheral edema and pulmonary congestion contributes to dyspnea.

Congestive heart failure encompasses the overall syndrome associated with the heart's inability to pump effectively, leading to the retention of fluids and various systemic effects. This patient’s decreased ejection fraction highlights the severity of the heart’s impaired pumping capability, further supporting the diagnosis of CHF.

Other options, while possibly related, do not fully encapsulate the primary issue indicated by the ejection fraction and symptoms. For instance, mitral valve regurgitation is a specific cardiac condition that can lead to heart failure but does not alone account for the patient's broad range of symptoms or the noted ejection fraction. Pleural effusion refers to fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity and can cause dyspnea but does not explain the reduced ejection fraction or pedal edema. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) primarily affects the lungs and