Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: Generalized weakness or fatigue, usually manifested as a greatly reduced exercise tolerance, is a common symptom in patients with cardiomyopathy or valvular heart disease leading to heart failure.
Some causes related to other disorders: A host of medical problems can cause weakness or fatigue, including cancer, thyroid disease, anemia, inflammatory disorders, infection, kidney disease, liver disease, and depression.
Significance: Generalized weakness and fatigue are invariably disabling symptoms, and therefore require a thorough medical evaluation, whatever the cause.
