What is the Survival Rate of CHF?

The survival rates of CHF or congestive heart failure vary due to various factors. The severity of the condition along with the age of the patient is some of the major factors which affect the survival rates. On an average estimate, it has been seen that around 50 percent of individuals live for about five years with CHF and around 10 percent of people live for around 10 years with the disease.

Although there are various factors which may trigger CHF in a person, some of the factors pose a greater threat than others. They include-

Obesity: If a person is obese, one may be susceptible to CHF as obesity creates a pressure on the heart muscles.

Eating Habits: Unhealthy eating habits including more of saturated and trans fats risks a person to have CHF.

Hypertension: High blood pressure leads to constriction of the blood vessels of the heart which poses a threat of having CHF if not controlled well.

Diabetes: A person having diabetes may risk a patient to have CHF if the condition is not properly managed.

Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical inactivity is another factor contributing to CHF, because it reduces the functionality of the heart muscles.

Alcohol: Increased consumption of alcohol along with smoking may also cause CHF in a patient.

CHF is a chronic disease that is required to be treated. Although doctors are going to prescribe medicines, it is important to keep certain things in mind for effective management of the symptoms. They include-

Active Life: It is important to stay active. It may happen so that the patient may feel tired easily. However, the patient should not give up and try staying active as much as possible. One must engage in routine exercise to keep the functions of the body up to the mark. It is important to have a word with the doctor before starting with any exercise regime. The doctor usually helps the patient plan an efficient workout routine.

Stop Eating Sodium: The patient should reduce the sodium content in the food consumed. This is because consumption of sodium speeds up water accumulation in the body. This leads to swelling of various body parts and increase in weight. It is important to read the labels of the items brought for cooking to watch out for the sodium content in the ingredients.

Avoid Processed Food: One should completely chuck out consumption of processed and canned foods and beverages. They contain a lot of preservatives which are high in sodium content and are also unhealthy for the heart.

Have a Diet Plan: In order to live a quality life with CHF one must pay attention to the diet one consumes. Cutting down of eating saturated fat reduces the chances of plaque formation in the blood vessels. Cheese, red meat and whole milk are high on saturated fats. Such food should be avoided. They also increase the blood cholesterol level, which is not good for the health of the heart.

No Alcohol/No Smoking: Limiting the consumption of alcohol for patient with CHF may be beneficial. Smoking should be strictly cut down and stopped if possible in order to increase the life expectancy of the patient.

Less Fluid Intake: Fluid intake should be reduced in order to prevent water accumulation.

Certain heart healthy food habits and lifestyle changes may increase the life expectancy of a patient with the disease. Management of stress is equally important for leading a healthy life.

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