How Long Can A Person Live With Congestive Heart Failure?

The life expectancy of congestive heart failure patient has not undergone much of the advancements in recent years. The treatment procedures are known to undergo a lot of improvements. However, the life expectancy of the disease remains almost the same. Patients with initial stages of the disease are known to live on an average of five years while patients suffering from the later stages of the disease are reported to live not more than a year or so. Thus early diagnosis along with early treatment is equally important.

The congestive heart failure is a progressive disease and is demarcated into four classes. With the progression to the next class, the condition of the patient is seen to deteriorate.

Class I – The heart failure is mostly not symptomatic apart from the complaint of weakness by the patient.

Class II – Patients of congestive heart failure avoid strenuous activities as such lead to heart palpitation and fatigue.

Class III – Patients with Class III congestive heart failure are pretty symptomatic where most activities get limited due to the weakness.

Class IV – The CHF is characterized by severe symptoms where the patient cannot even carry out basic life activities and experience severe heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

The general prognosis of the disease primarily varies from patient to patient because an amalgamation of factors leads to the disease. Nevertheless what can be definitely said is if the symptoms are brought to notice at an earlier stage, which is followed by early diagnosis. The prognosis will be much better as compared to late diagnosis.

Early diagnosis and early treatment is effective in reducing the symptoms so that the patient can live a quality life.

In order to live with congestive heart failure, one has to make certain lifestyle changes to live a quality life along with medical treatment.

Low Sodium Diet: Low sodium diet should be followed by patients with congestive heart failure. Patients with such a disorder are prone to water retention and edema, thus sodium content should be reduced as it facilitates water retention.

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should also be restricted and limited, as alcohol can cause harm to the muscles of the heart.

Exercise: Exercise helps in keeping the blood circulation uniform and also helps in maintaining the functioning of the heart. Thus, any form of aerobic exercise can be of help. However, one must be consistent and regular with the exercise. Also, it is important to talk about the exercise plan with the doctor prior starting.

Maintaining Proper Weight: The patient must keep track of his body weight. Increased weight may be a sign of water retention in the body. Thus, it is important to keep checking the body weight to ensure there is not excessive fluid accumulation. If there is an abnormal increase of body weight within few days, it should be reported to the doctor as early as possible.

Monitoring Fluid Intake: It is important for a patient to monitor the fluid intake per day, as excessive fluid intake may lead to its accumulation in the body. Discussions should be made by the doctor about the average and maximum level of fluid intake throughout the day.

With the advancements in the treatment procedures, early treatments are seen to be beneficial, compared to the last minute treatment for congestive heart failure. Thus, it is advisable to visit a doctor in case of minute symptoms like shortness of breath at the initial stage, so that the treatment can be started as early as possible.

Also Read:

• What Are The Five Early Signs Of Congestive Heart Failure?
• Are Cardiomyopathy And Congestive Heart Failure The Same Thing?
• Can You Exercise With Congestive Heart Failure?
• Can You Reverse The Effects Of Congestive Heart Failure?
• What is the Prognosis Of Congestive Heart Failure?
• What Not To Eat With Congestive Heart Failure?
• 3 Best Exercises For Congestive Heart Failure