Which symptom supports a diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency?

Adrenocortical insufficiency, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is characterized by the inadequate production of cortisol and, in some cases, aldosterone by the adrenal glands. A crucial symptom supporting this diagnosis is decreased cardiac output. Patients with adrenal insufficiency often experience cardiovascular symptoms due to low blood volume and poor vascular tone, which can lead to a diminished ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.

The reduced levels of cortisol affect various body systems, including the cardiovascular system. Cortisol plays a key role in maintaining vascular integrity and regulating blood volume. In its absence, patients may present with symptoms like hypotension, fatigue, and decreased strength, correlating with a reduced cardiac output.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed, such as increased cardiac output, weight gain, and fever, are typically not associated with adrenal insufficiency and would indicate other health concerns or conditions. Increased cardiac output, for instance, suggests a state of hyperdynamic circulation, which contradicts the findings of adrenal insufficiency. Similarly, weight gain is often linked to conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by excess cortisol levels, while fever could indicate an infection or inflammation — not adrenal insufficiency. Thus, decreased cardiac output is the most relevant symptom supporting