What condition is characterized by swelling in the extremities?

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by swelling in the extremities due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. When the heart cannot effectively circulate blood, fluid can build up in the tissues, leading to edema, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet. This pooling of fluid occurs because the compromised cardiac function leads to increased pressure in the blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid into the surrounding tissues.

In CHF, this condition is often a direct result of fluid overload or congestion in the venous system. Patients might also experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance, which further highlight the systemic impact of heart dysfunction. By contrast, other options such as atrial flutter, tachycardia, and myocarditis do not primarily present with swelling in the extremities, making congestive heart failure the most appropriate condition associated with this symptom.