❌ Myth: "She's 74. Being tired and short of breath is just aging."

✅ Reality: New or worsening fatigue + SOB in a HF patient is decompensation until proven otherwise

Common errors that cost readmissions:
• Attributing symptoms to "normal aging"
• Missing gradual weight gain over days
• Ignoring orthopnea and PND
• Relying solely on lung sounds

Age explains chronic conditions. It doesn't explain acute changes.