What is the life expectancy for someone with congestive heart failure? What are the stages and prognosis of this chronic, progressive condition? Find answers to these questions about CHF life expectancy.

Understanding Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. Despite its name, CHF does not mean the heart has completely failed. However, it can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

CHF can develop due to various underlying conditions that weaken the heart, such as heart attacks, coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, faulty heart valves, high blood pressure, inflammation or damage to the heart muscle, and drug or toxin use.

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy with CHF

A person’s life expectancy with CHF can vary depending on several factors, including their age, the stage of their condition, and the strength of their heart function.

Age at Diagnosis

Studies have shown that the 5-year survival rate for people under 65 years of age with CHF is around 79%, while the rate is about 50% for those 75 and over.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

Ejection fraction, which measures the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction, can also impact life expectancy. Patients with an EF under 40% may be at a greater risk of dying from CHF, but a 2017 study found no significant difference in survival rates between patients with an EF below 40% and those with one above.

Comorbidities

The presence of underlying conditions, or comorbidities, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can also negatively affect a person’s life expectancy with CHF.

Other Risk Factors

Additional risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and a poor diet, may also impact a person’s outlook with CHF.

Prognosis and Stages of CHF

CHF is not curable, but early detection and treatment may help improve a person’s life expectancy. Doctors often use two classification systems to assess a patient’s functional capacity and stage of heart disease.

New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification

The NYHA system categorizes patients into four classes based on their physical limitations and symptoms:

• Class 1: No limitation on physical activity and no adverse symptoms
• Class 2: Slight limitation on physical activity, but comfortable at rest
• Class 3: Notable limitation on physical activity, but comfortable at rest
• Class 4: Cannot engage in physical activity without discomfort and experiences symptoms of heart failure at rest

American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) Stages

The ACC and AHA have defined four stages of heart disease:

1. Stage A: High risk of heart failure but no identifiable disorders
2. Stage B: Structural heart disorder but no symptoms
3. Stage C: Current or prior symptoms of heart failure associated with an underlying condition
4. Stage D: Advanced structural heart disease, clear symptoms, and requires specialized medical intervention

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

Common symptoms of CHF include:

• Swelling in the legs and feet or weight gain caused by fluid buildup
• Bloating
• Shortness of breath or waking up short of breath
• An inability to lie flat or needing to sleep on extra pillows
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Chest pain

Improving Life Expectancy with CHF

While CHF is not curable, early diagnosis and following a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes may help improve a person’s quality of life and life expectancy. Seeking prompt medical attention and adhering to recommended treatments are crucial for managing this chronic condition.

Conclusion

Congestive heart failure is a complex, progressive condition that can significantly impact a person’s life expectancy. However, with proper management, many individuals with CHF can extend their lifespan and improve their quality of life. Understanding the factors that influence prognosis, as well as the stages and symptoms of CHF, is essential for patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions and develop effective treatment strategies.

Congestive heart failure life expectancy: Prognosis and stages

In general, more than half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive for 5 years. About 35% will survive for 10 years.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. Despite its name, CHF does not mean that the heart has completely failed. However, it can be life threatening if left untreated.

A person’s life expectancy with CHF will vary depending on numerous factors, including their age, the stage of their condition, and the strength of their heart function.

Many disorders that weaken the heart can contribute to the development of CHF, including:

• heart attacks
• coronary heart disease
• congenital heart disease
• faulty heart valves
• high blood pressure
• inflammation or damage to the heart muscle
• drug or toxin use

However, in some cases, a person can extend their life expectancy through lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.

Life expectancy with CHF may be nonlinear and dependent on several variables. A review highlights that many physicians do not feel they can confidently predict a patient’s clinical trajectory in a 6-month time frame.

A 2019 meta‐analysis estimates that the 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10‐year survival rates of all-type heart failure are 87%, 73%, 57%, and 35%, respectively. However, life expectancy for a person with CHF has substantially improved over time.

A person’s age at diagnosis may impact prognosis. The authors report that the 5-year survival rate for people under 65 years of age was around 79%, while the rate was about 50% for those 75 and over.

Additionally, how much blood a person’s heart pumps out per beat, known as the ejection fraction (EF), may affect life expectancy. Doctors will note a patient’s EF as a percentage, with a normal output falling between 50–70%.

Patients with an EF under 40% may be at a greater risk of dying from CHF. However, a 2017 study reports that the 5-year life expectancy is poor among all patients admitted to the hospital with heart failure regardless of their EF, with the estimated 5-year mortality at 75. 4%. The above 2019 meta-analysis also found no significant difference in the survival rate between patients with an EF below 40% and those with one above.

The presence of underlying conditions, or comorbidities, such as coronary heart disease, can affect a person’s life expectancy. An age-adjusted study found that comorbidities are common in heart failure patients and contribute to higher death rates. Diabetes is present in 28% of deaths and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 16%.

Risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and a poor diet may also negatively impact a person’s outlook.

CHF is not curable, but early detection and treatment may help improve a person’s life expectancy. Following a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes may help improve their quality of life.

In a person with CHF, the muscles of the heart may become too stiff, or too weak, to pump blood efficiently. This means that instead of the heart pushing blood out, it collects in the heart. This blood that remains in the heart can cause fluid retention.

Doctors will often assess a patient’s functional capacity on the New York Heart Association’s classification system. The classes are:

• Class 1: A person has no limitation on their physical activity and no adverse symptoms.
• Class 2: There is a slight limitation on physical activity, but the person is comfortable at rest.
• Class 3: A person has a notable limitation on their physical activity, but they remain comfortable at rest.
• Class 4: A person cannot engage in physical activity without discomfort and experiences symptoms of heart failure at rest.

A second classification system, defined by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), details four stages of heart disease. They are:

• Stage A: A person has a high risk of heart failure but currently has no identifiable disorders.
• Stage B: A person has a structural heart disorder but is not presenting with symptoms.
• Stage C: A person has current or prior symptoms of heart failure associated with an underlying condition.
• Stage D: A person currently has advanced structural heart disease, shows clear symptoms, and requires specialized medical intervention.

Common symptoms of heart disease include:

• swelling in the legs and feet or weight gain caused by a buildup of excess fluid
• bloating
• shortness of breath or waking up short of breath
• an inability to lie flat or needing to sleep on extra pillows
• fatigue
• nausea
• chest pain

Other conditions that affect the heart can also cause CHF. An early diagnosis of CHF may help people manage their symptoms and make preventative lifestyle changes.

Medical treatment for CHF may involve treatments to reduce the amount of fluid in the body. This may ease some of the strain on the heart and improve its ability to pump blood. Doctors may prescribe diuretics to help the body eliminate excess liquid. Common diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, and furosemide.

Doctors may also prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or angiotensin receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) to help the heart pump blood more effectively.

According to a 2018 review, the effects these treatments may have on mortality remain unclear.

Other key components of CHF therapy include mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (MRAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Doctors recommend MRAs for people with an EF of 35% or less. These can help improve blood flow and heart function. SGLT2 inhibitors can assist in glucose control and reduce the risk of heart complications.

Doctors will also prescribe beta-blockers to support these efforts and control the heart rate.

Some patients may also require physical intervention to treat CHF. Doctors may advocate the use of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) when required. These both involve attaching small electrical devices to a patient’s heart to protect against sudden cardiac arrest and to regulate heart rhythm, respectively.

In the later stages of heart failure, doctors may recommend surgery to insert a left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) into a person’s heart. An LVAD is a pump that helps the heart muscle contract. These devices can be a permanent solution for patients with heart failure.

A heart transplant may also be an option if the person is a good candidate for the operation.

Doctors will likely recommend making lifestyle changes to minimize the impact of CHF. This will often happen regardless of the stage a person is at or other treatments they will follow. According to a 2018 study, these changes may help slow the progression of heart failure conditions and increase a person’s quality of life. They include:

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthful, varied diet and getting regular exercise is always a good idea, but it can be essential for people with CHF.

Doctors may recommend that people with CHF eliminate excess salt, or sodium, from their diet, as it causes the body to retain fluids. They may also suggest reducing or limiting their alcohol and fluid intake.

Regular aerobic exercise may improve heart health and lead to a better quality of life in people with CHF. The guidance states that physical conditioning can improve a person’s quality of life and exercise tolerance, and it can reduce hospitalization rates in people with heart failure. However, an increase in physical activity may not be practical for everyone with CHF.

Aerobic exercise is any activity that elevates the heart and breathing rates. Such activities include swimming, cycling, or jogging. If you have CHF, check with a doctor before beginning any new exercises.

Fluid restriction

People with CHF tend to retain fluid in their bodies. To mitigate this, doctors will sometimes recommend that people limit their daily fluid intake within safe boundaries.

Consuming too much liquid may cancel out the effects of diuretic medicines. While it is essential to stay hydrated, a doctor can recommend just how much fluid a person can safely consume a day.

Weight

Obesity is a known risk factor for heart failure. Research shows that weight loss and subsequent management can be effective in the prevention of heart failure.

However, for people with CHF, a doctor may not always advise weight loss. In some circumstances, rapid weight loss may be a warning sign of other conditions, such as cachexia.

Doctors will often ask people to monitor their weight each day to check for any sudden or fast weight gains, which may be a sign of fluid retention. In addition, monitoring a person’s weight every day can help a doctor prescribe the correct levels of diuretics to help the body release fluid.

Each person with congestive heart failure will have a different experience with the condition, and life expectancy for the disease will vary significantly between individuals. Some studies estimate a 5-year survival rate of close to 50% for a person diagnosed with heart failure.

Life expectancy depends on what stage and class a person’s CHF has reached and what other complications or health problems they have. People who have received an early diagnosis may have a better outlook than those who did not.

Many people find that positive lifestyle changes can significantly improve their CHF symptoms and well-being. In addition, medications help many people with CHF. Doctors will sometimes recommend surgery.

A person with CHF should work directly with a doctor or medical team to make an individualized treatment plan to have the best possible outlook.

Congestive heart failure life expectancy: Prognosis and stages

In general, more than half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive for 5 years. About 35% will survive for 10 years.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. Despite its name, CHF does not mean that the heart has completely failed. However, it can be life threatening if left untreated.

A person’s life expectancy with CHF will vary depending on numerous factors, including their age, the stage of their condition, and the strength of their heart function.

Many disorders that weaken the heart can contribute to the development of CHF, including:

• heart attacks
• coronary heart disease
• congenital heart disease
• faulty heart valves
• high blood pressure
• inflammation or damage to the heart muscle
• drug or toxin use

However, in some cases, a person can extend their life expectancy through lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.

Life expectancy with CHF may be nonlinear and dependent on several variables. A review highlights that many physicians do not feel they can confidently predict a patient’s clinical trajectory in a 6-month time frame.

A 2019 meta‐analysis estimates that the 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10‐year survival rates of all-type heart failure are 87%, 73%, 57%, and 35%, respectively. However, life expectancy for a person with CHF has substantially improved over time.

A person’s age at diagnosis may impact prognosis. The authors report that the 5-year survival rate for people under 65 years of age was around 79%, while the rate was about 50% for those 75 and over.

Additionally, how much blood a person’s heart pumps out per beat, known as the ejection fraction (EF), may affect life expectancy. Doctors will note a patient’s EF as a percentage, with a normal output falling between 50–70%.

Patients with an EF under 40% may be at a greater risk of dying from CHF. However, a 2017 study reports that the 5-year life expectancy is poor among all patients admitted to the hospital with heart failure regardless of their EF, with the estimated 5-year mortality at 75.4%. The above 2019 meta-analysis also found no significant difference in the survival rate between patients with an EF below 40% and those with one above.

The presence of underlying conditions, or comorbidities, such as coronary heart disease, can affect a person’s life expectancy. An age-adjusted study found that comorbidities are common in heart failure patients and contribute to higher death rates. Diabetes is present in 28% of deaths and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 16%.

Risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and a poor diet may also negatively impact a person’s outlook.

CHF is not curable, but early detection and treatment may help improve a person’s life expectancy. Following a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes may help improve their quality of life.

In a person with CHF, the muscles of the heart may become too stiff, or too weak, to pump blood efficiently. This means that instead of the heart pushing blood out, it collects in the heart. This blood that remains in the heart can cause fluid retention.

Doctors will often assess a patient’s functional capacity on the New York Heart Association’s classification system. The classes are:

• Class 1: A person has no limitation on their physical activity and no adverse symptoms.
• Class 2: There is a slight limitation on physical activity, but the person is comfortable at rest.
• Class 3: A person has a notable limitation on their physical activity, but they remain comfortable at rest.
• Class 4: A person cannot engage in physical activity without discomfort and experiences symptoms of heart failure at rest.

A second classification system, defined by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), details four stages of heart disease. They are:

• Stage A: A person has a high risk of heart failure but currently has no identifiable disorders.
• Stage B: A person has a structural heart disorder but is not presenting with symptoms.
• Stage C: A person has current or prior symptoms of heart failure associated with an underlying condition.
• Stage D: A person currently has advanced structural heart disease, shows clear symptoms, and requires specialized medical intervention.

Common symptoms of heart disease include:

• swelling in the legs and feet or weight gain caused by a buildup of excess fluid
• bloating
• shortness of breath or waking up short of breath
• an inability to lie flat or needing to sleep on extra pillows
• fatigue
• nausea
• chest pain

Other conditions that affect the heart can also cause CHF. An early diagnosis of CHF may help people manage their symptoms and make preventative lifestyle changes.

Medical treatment for CHF may involve treatments to reduce the amount of fluid in the body. This may ease some of the strain on the heart and improve its ability to pump blood. Doctors may prescribe diuretics to help the body eliminate excess liquid. Common diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, and furosemide.

Doctors may also prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or angiotensin receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) to help the heart pump blood more effectively.

According to a 2018 review, the effects these treatments may have on mortality remain unclear.

Other key components of CHF therapy include mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (MRAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Doctors recommend MRAs for people with an EF of 35% or less. These can help improve blood flow and heart function. SGLT2 inhibitors can assist in glucose control and reduce the risk of heart complications.

Doctors will also prescribe beta-blockers to support these efforts and control the heart rate.

Some patients may also require physical intervention to treat CHF. Doctors may advocate the use of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) when required. These both involve attaching small electrical devices to a patient’s heart to protect against sudden cardiac arrest and to regulate heart rhythm, respectively.

In the later stages of heart failure, doctors may recommend surgery to insert a left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) into a person’s heart. An LVAD is a pump that helps the heart muscle contract. These devices can be a permanent solution for patients with heart failure.

A heart transplant may also be an option if the person is a good candidate for the operation.

Doctors will likely recommend making lifestyle changes to minimize the impact of CHF. This will often happen regardless of the stage a person is at or other treatments they will follow. According to a 2018 study, these changes may help slow the progression of heart failure conditions and increase a person’s quality of life. They include:

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthful, varied diet and getting regular exercise is always a good idea, but it can be essential for people with CHF.

Doctors may recommend that people with CHF eliminate excess salt, or sodium, from their diet, as it causes the body to retain fluids. They may also suggest reducing or limiting their alcohol and fluid intake.

Regular aerobic exercise may improve heart health and lead to a better quality of life in people with CHF. The guidance states that physical conditioning can improve a person’s quality of life and exercise tolerance, and it can reduce hospitalization rates in people with heart failure. However, an increase in physical activity may not be practical for everyone with CHF.

Aerobic exercise is any activity that elevates the heart and breathing rates. Such activities include swimming, cycling, or jogging. If you have CHF, check with a doctor before beginning any new exercises.

Fluid restriction

People with CHF tend to retain fluid in their bodies. To mitigate this, doctors will sometimes recommend that people limit their daily fluid intake within safe boundaries.

Consuming too much liquid may cancel out the effects of diuretic medicines. While it is essential to stay hydrated, a doctor can recommend just how much fluid a person can safely consume a day.

Weight

Obesity is a known risk factor for heart failure. Research shows that weight loss and subsequent management can be effective in the prevention of heart failure.

However, for people with CHF, a doctor may not always advise weight loss. In some circumstances, rapid weight loss may be a warning sign of other conditions, such as cachexia.

Doctors will often ask people to monitor their weight each day to check for any sudden or fast weight gains, which may be a sign of fluid retention. In addition, monitoring a person’s weight every day can help a doctor prescribe the correct levels of diuretics to help the body release fluid.

Each person with congestive heart failure will have a different experience with the condition, and life expectancy for the disease will vary significantly between individuals. Some studies estimate a 5-year survival rate of close to 50% for a person diagnosed with heart failure.

Life expectancy depends on what stage and class a person’s CHF has reached and what other complications or health problems they have. People who have received an early diagnosis may have a better outlook than those who did not.

Many people find that positive lifestyle changes can significantly improve their CHF symptoms and well-being. In addition, medications help many people with CHF. Doctors will sometimes recommend surgery.

A person with CHF should work directly with a doctor or medical team to make an individualized treatment plan to have the best possible outlook.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure in Moscow

In Clinic No. 1 you can undergo the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. To do this, simply make an appointment with a cardiologist. The doctor will examine you and determine if additional tests are needed. When diagnosing heart failure, as a rule, laboratory and hardware diagnostics are required.

Remember that an accurate diagnosis is extremely important, because advanced heart failure can lead to heart attacks, heart attacks and other dangerous diseases. The appointment is led by an experienced doctor with 21 years of experience.

Make an appointment with a cardiologist to get an accurate diagnosis and receive the necessary treatment.

Make an appointment with a cardiologist to diagnose heart failure

Make an appointment with a cardiologist to diagnose heart failure and prescribe treatment

Make an appointment

Photo source: Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik

9001 8 Indications for the diagnosis of heart failure

There are various indications for the diagnosis of heart failure. The most common ones are listed below. Even if you are not sure that you have heart failure, consult a cardiologist. The doctor will help determine the cause of the ailment and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

If you have any of the following symptoms

Doctors recommend testing for heart failure if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain/complaint: shortness of breath when lying down, standing, or sitting
• Feeling short of breath at night
• Interruptions in the work of the heart
• Palpitations
• Weight gain
• Complaints about feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart
• Swollen neck veins
• Discomfort while lying in bed – lifting pillows, falling asleep sitting up, nocturnal choking
• Edema, wheezing in the lungs, heaviness
• Feeling of fullness in the right hypochondrium as a result of liver enlargement
• Increase in systolic blood pressure
• Heart gallop rhythm

Causes of heart failure

As a rule, heart failure develops in the presence of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels:

• Ischemic heart disease
• Disorders of rhythm and conduction of the heart
• Congenital and acquired malformations
• Inflammatory processes: myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis
• Cardiomyopathy
• Arterial hypertension

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, diabetes mellitus and other pathologies of the endocrine system can also become causes of heart failure.

In addition, there are risk factors that contribute to the development of heart failure:

• Smoking
• Frequent drinking
• Increased stress
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive exercise
• Overweight
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Genetic predisposition

The importance of diagnosing heart failure

Heart failure that is not diagnosed in time impairs the patient’s quality of life and limits his options. The disease develops uncontrollably, there is a risk of sudden death.

How is the appointment and initial diagnosis

During the initial appointment, the cardiologist collects an anamnesis, analyzes your primary medical documentation and draws up an examination plan. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Analyzes
• ECG with interpretation
• ECHO-kg
• CT or chest x-ray
• Daily ECG monitoring with Holter

The passage of the first stage of examinations, except for daily monitoring, takes approximately 1-1. 5 hours. After that, you go with the results to a second appointment with a cardiologist. The doctor performs a final examination and prescribes treatment, which may include fluid therapy, medication, and a special diet.

Preparing to see a cardiologist for a diagnosis of heart failure

No special preparation is required for a cardiologist appointment, but it is better to be on an empty stomach so that you can take a blood test.

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, the primary task is to stop the attack. But when the acute phase has passed, the doctor will prescribe you examinations and make up a course of treatment.

Prevention and treatment of heart failure

The best prevention of heart failure is a healthy lifestyle. This is proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, adherence to sleep, a calm state and good rest. It is important to monitor your weight and manage excess body weight with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. It is important to have a heart examination and see a cardiologist regularly, even if nothing is bothering you.

Each patient is given a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the cause of the heart failure, the type of disease, and the severity of the symptoms. In critical situations, the focus should be on stabilizing the performance of the life-supporting systems of the body. The patient is prescribed complete rest, diuretics, defoamers, nitrates and fast-acting cardiac glycosides, as well as oxygen therapy. Thus, they unload the lungs, facilitate the work of the heart and ensure the proper level of its blood supply. After stabilization is achieved, they switch to maintenance therapy.

In addition to the above medications, the patient may be given nitrates, anticoagulants or blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and cardiac stabilizers.

In addition to medicines and medical procedures, it is extremely important to adjust the diet and daily routine. Avoid foods that contain salt and high amounts of fat. Quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol. Eliminate stressful situations and ensure enough sleep. If doctors allow, add daily physical activity, but only moderate, which does not lead to shortness of breath or pain. Doctors often recommend walking and swimming.

Specialists of Clinic No. 1

Doctor:

• Violetta Valerievna Shelekhova – doctor of the highest category, cardiologist-therapist, experience – 21 years

Make an appointment with a cardiologist to diagnose heart failure

Make an appointment with a cardiologist to diagnose heart failure and prescribe treatment

Make an appointment

Photo source: Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik

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causes, symptoms and diagnostics

Chronic heart failure (CHF) begins without severe symptoms and is often detected only when it becomes severe. What you need to know about this disease and what actions to take to avoid negative consequences and maintain health – we tell in the article.

What is chronic heart failure

When the heart does not provide sufficient blood supply to the body, it causes swelling and oxygen starvation of tissues and internal organs. This condition is called heart failure and has two forms – acute and chronic.

The acute form occurs due to a sharp violation of the contractile activity of the myocardium, is accompanied by a sharp pain behind the sternum and always requires emergency medical care. An attack can be provoked by: exacerbation of the current cardiovascular disease, sudden damage to the heart muscle, poisoning, trauma, stroke, etc.

The chronic form of heart failure , in contrast to the acute form, begins asymptomatically and develops gradually. The initial stage of the disease has no pronounced symptoms, and heart problems can only be detected during a medical examination. Over time, the patient develops shortness of breath and palpitations during physical exertion. In later stages, these symptoms persist even at rest.

Structure of the heart: atria, ventricles and heart valves

Causes of development

Chronic heart failure occurs against the background of other diseases that affect the myocardium and blood vessels. Therefore, it is always necessary to treat or keep primary diseases under medical control, as well as monitor the state of your circulatory system.

CHF development factors

• Arterial hypertension (AH) is the main cause of chronic heart failure.

• Ischemic heart disease (CHD) is in second place among provoking factors.

• Cardiomyopathy (including those provoked by infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypokalemia, etc.).

• Valvular (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonary) and congenital heart defects.

• Arrhythmias (tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias).

• Diseases of the pericardium and endocardium.

• Conduction disorders (antrioventricular block).

• High load (for example, with anemia).

• Volume overload (for example, in renal failure).

The course of any disease from the list above should be monitored by the attending physician

Stages and symptoms of CHF

In Russian medicine, two classifications of chronic heart failure are used: the classification of chronic circulatory failure by N.D. Strazhesko, V.Kh. Vasilenko and the functional classification of the New York Heart Association. In the diagnosis of the disease, the indicators of both systems are taken into account.

Classification by N. D. Strazhesko, V. Kh. Vasilenko (1935)

The patient’s condition is assessed by the number and severity of clinical manifestations of the disease.

1 stage

Initial, latent circulatory failure, manifested only during physical exertion (shortness of breath, palpitations, excessive fatigue). At rest, these phenomena disappear. Hemodynamics is not disturbed.

2 stage

Severe, prolonged circulatory failure, hemodynamic disturbances (stagnation in the pulmonary and systemic circulation), organ dysfunction and metabolism are also expressed at rest. Employability is severely limited.

Period 2a

Period 2b

3 stage

Final, dystrophic. Severe circulatory failure, persistent changes in metabolism and organ functions, irreversible changes in the structure of organs and tissues, pronounced dystrophic changes. Complete disability.

The structure of the human circulatory system: arteries are marked in red, veins are marked in blue

New York Heart Association Functional Classification

Adopted in 1964 by the New York Heart Association (NYHA). This classification is used to describe the severity of symptoms, based on it, four functional classes of the disease (FC) are distinguished.

• First class FC . There are no restrictions on physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause excessive shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations.

• Second class FC . Slight limitation in physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity causes excessive shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations.

• Third class FC . Explicit limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Less than usual physical activity causes excessive shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations.

• Fourth grade FK . Inability to perform any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms may be present at rest. With any physical activity, discomfort increases.

How to check the heart

If during the medical examination the cardiologist suspects chronic heart failure, the patient will be assigned an additional examination. The same procedures are recommended for people with an existing chronic heart disease at least once a year.

CHF diagnostics

• Electrocardiography (12-channel ECG) is a study of heart rhythm, heart rate, the presence of conduction disturbances and changes in the geometry (hypertrophy) of the heart by recording and decoding the electrical fields of the heart.

• Echocardiography – ultrasound examination of the heart (ultrasound), allows you to obtain information about the anatomy (volumes, geometry, mass, etc.) and the functional state of the heart (global and regional LV and RV contractility, valve function, pulmonary hypertension, etc.) .

• Coronary angiography is an additional examination method for CHF. It is recommended to perform coronary angiography in patients with angina pectoris who are potential candidates for myocardial revascularization.

• Chest x-rays – evaluate the size and position of the heart, as well as the state of blood flow in the lungs and identify lung diseases.