Advanced-Stage Heart Failure Patients

Over time, as heart failure advances, the severity of your symptoms worsens. The condition is then known as advanced-stage heart failure. This is Class III and IV on the New York Heart Association classification scale. Though many patients still find ways to compensate for their worsening symptoms such as sleeping with pillows to reduce congestion, limiting physical activity to minimize shortness of breath and limiting fluid intake so they don't notice as much swelling in their legs, they are not really functioning with good quality of life. They are still sick and need to discuss additional heart failure treatment options with their physician.

Living with advanced-stage heart failure can be challenging. Often patients have additional conditions that require treatment, such as vascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), diabetes and angina. As your health changes, it can compromise your lifestyle. The key to managing advanced-stage heart failure is taking control.

It's up to you to follow your physician's recommendations, take your medication as prescribed and make the necessary lifestyle improvements for healthy living.