The term heart failure in itself will scare you. You might think this to be the end. But hold on, that is not true. Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped. It simply means it is not functioning properly.
Remember: With proper care and precautions, you can live longer and lead a normal life.
What is a Heart Failure?
Heart failure is also known as congestive heart failure. In this condition, blood flow from your heart decreases. When this happens, then blood flow from your entire body reduces. It leads to congestion in the body’s tissues. Heart failure can also be caused when the muscle of your heart is weakened and is not able to perform its functions accurately.
Although heart failure can happen due to multiple reasons, a portion of the significant reasons for heart failure includes: Hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, thyroid, pregnancy, obesity, arrhythmias, and more.
Stages of Heart Failure:
Most people don’t know about this. But it is my duty to inform you all. With significant information, you can proceed with caution and accommodate lifestyle changes. Below mentioned are the 4 stages of Heart failure. With these stages, I have also suggested few measures which you can adapt for a healthy life.
1. Stage A:
Out of all, this is the best stage to be at. It is the pre-heart failure stage. With early diagnosis and preventive healthcare, you can prevent heart failure. This particular stage is like an eye-opener for you and warns you that you might develop heart failure if you don’t do anything about it. The best way to avoid this fatal disease is to implement lifestyle changes.
Things you can do to live longer with Stage A:
- Quit smoking
- Lower your alcohol consumption
- Reduce salt intake
- Exercise regularly
- Balanced diet
- Take your medications
- Adequate amount of sleep
- De-stress
2. Stage B:
This is also an early stage. Here you will notice few symptoms that your heart is in a state of distress. Patients at this stage often have a heart attack. Your heart becomes vulnerable at this point and may undergo certain heart diseases. My best suggestion is to get consulted and know your routes for a cure. After certain tests and examinations, you might be recommended surgery which is also your best bet.
Things you can do to live longer with Stage B:
- Follow all the steps of Stage A
- Medicines like enzyme inhibitor or receptor blocker (Consume only when prescribed)
- Surgery: coronary artery bypass or valve rebuilding
3. Stage C:
At this stage, you will notice shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, difficulty in exercising, and you might wake up short of breath. By now, your blood flow has already begun to disrupt.
Things you can do to live longer with Stage C:
- Follow all the steps of Stage A
- Consume the medicines mentioned in Stage B (If Prescribed)
- Monitor your weight
- Medicines: diuretics and digoxin pill (If Prescribed)
- Surgery: implantable defibrillator
4. Stage D:
This stage is the most gruesome stage out of all. In this stage, you might need a heart transplant. I recommend you to get yourself consulted regularly with your heart specialist.
Things you can do to live longer with Stage D:
- All the steps mentioned in Stage A, B, C
- Surgery: Heart Transplant, Implementing a ventricular assistance device or a heart pump
The key to prevention is to prevent the risk factors. If you lead a healthy life, you will not see this day coming. That is why I remind my patients that prevention is the best medicine you can consume. I know that Stage D is quite dangerous. But if you begin early, you will have a shot at life.
If you wish to learn more about this, then you can consult with me. For contact details, Click Here. Remember to get regular consultations and ask as many questions as possible. The more you are informed, the more you can live longer with heart failure.
