Guide To Heart Failure Stages
The concept of heart failure is confusing to many. It sounds like an individual's heart no longer works, and their life is coming to an end. However, that’s not what it means in so many words. It’s a condition in which the heart does not stop beating, but the heart does stop pumping blood well. Since the primary function of the heart is to pump blood through the body so individuals can live a healthy life, this is a significant health problem. It does not mean a person's life is over, but it does mean they need to seek medical treatment right away. Heart failure only gets worse when it’s left untreated.
Learn more about precisely what heart failure is as well as the different stages now.
What Is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a problem individuals develop when their heart struggles to pump blood like a healthy heart. Their heart is slower, doesn’t work well, and their body struggles as a result. Unfortunately, there are many reasons someone might develop heart failure. Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of heart failure. It occurs when the arteries are unable to keep up with the supply and demand of blood and oxygen the heart needs to work properly. An individual's heart cannot breathe correctly when their arteries clog and don’t send enough blood through. Heart attacks are another common cause of heart failure. When this occurs, the arteries are suddenly so blocked that nothing makes it through, and individuals suffer a heart attack. Cardiomyopathy is another common reason individuals might develop heart failure. This is often caused by problems with blood flow, but other issues, such as an infection, can cause it as well.
Learn about the first stage of heart failure next.
Stage A Heart Failure
Stage A heart failure is the earliest type of heart failure, which means this is the time during which patients are going to have the best chance at overcoming this health condition. This is medically defined as pre-heart failure. It hasn’t happened yet, but it’s going to happen based on specific risk factors. For example, someone with a family history of heart failure is considered high risk. Furthermore, individuals who have hypertension, diabetes, or other specific health problems might also be in early heart failure. Some of those health problems include anything from a history of rheumatic fever to a history of alcohol abuse. Individuals who have metabolic syndrome also fall into this category.
Get to know the next stage of heart failure, stage B, next.
Stage B Heart Failure
Stage B heart failure is also a pre-heart failure stage, but it’s more serious than the first. Individuals dealing with stage B heart failure have typically already been diagnosed with a health issue such as systolic left ventricular dysfunction. However, they’ve also never dealt with any of the other things that come along with heart failure. Patients at this stage will be treated with stage A treatment options, which might include lifestyle changes and treatment for other underlying health issues such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Doctors may also want to treat patients with a beta-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, or angiotensin II receptor blocker. If surgery is deemed necessary, patients may also undergo a valve repair or replacement, or a coronary artery bypass.
Keep reading to learn about the next stage of heart failure.
Stage C Heart Failure
Stage C heart failure comprises of patients with identifiable full blown systolic heart failure and its symptoms, the most common of which are a significantly reduced capacity to exercise, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Patients also often have an irregular or fast heartbeat, swelling in their legs and feet, a persistent cough or wheezing, as well as a reduced appetite.
Treatment for stage C heart failure includes the options detailed for the previous stages, as well as other methods such as restricting sodium in the diet, reducing fluid intake, and discontinuing any medication that might be exacerbating symptoms. Patients may also be prescribed medications like diuretics or aldosterone inhibitors. Some others may even receive an implantable defibrillator or biventricular pacing as treatment.
Reveal the next stage of heart failure now.
Stage D Heart Failure
Patients are officially dealing with stage D heart failure when they have systolic heart failure and still have persistent and advanced symptoms even after receiving medical care for their condition. Most of the treatment options from previous stages continue to maintain quality of life as much as possible. For the most part, however, this stage is considered incurable.
Other options aimed at managing stage D heart failure include a heart transplant, continuous intravenous heart pump medication, surgical repair and treatment, and ventricular assist devices. Often included when dealing with stage D heart failure, most especially when other options have failed, is palliative care for the comfort of the patient. All patients will be thoroughly evaluated to determine what options are the most appropriate for their condition.