Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is a heart condition that impacts millions of Americans. CHF means that the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to the rest of the body. It’s essential to be proactive about your heart health, and that starts with education. This article will explain the four stages of congestive heart failure, the risk factors and signs of CHF, and the treatment options available to manage the condition.
Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure
Based on objective assessments, the four stages of heart failure include Stage A, Stage B, Stage C, and Stage D.
Stage A
While performing physical activity is not an issue, patients in Stage A are considered at high risk for developing congestive heart failure. This diagnosis can result from factors including:
- Family history
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Hypertension
- Obesity
Stage B
Patients in Stage B heart failure have been diagnosed via echocardiogram with some sort of structural heart disease like systolic left ventricular dysfunction, which is strongly connected with developing heart failure. Patients experience no symptoms of heart failure in this stage.
Stage C
Patients with a structural heart disease move into Stage C when they start experiencing symptoms of heart failure, such as:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Fatigue
- Inability to exercise
- Increased nighttime urination
- Nausea
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen legs, ankles, or feet
- Trouble concentrating
- Weight gain
Stage D
Patients enter Stage D when their heart failure symptoms become advanced and unresponsive to treatments. Mild activity, and even at rest, can cause extreme cases of the symptoms mentioned above.
Signs & Risk Factors for Developing Congestive Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- History of Smoking
- Alcohol Abuse
- Coronary Artery Disease
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Options
Middle Georgia Heart is experienced in treating patients with CHF.
Our compassionate medical team takes a comprehensive approach to treating our patients, starting with performing numerous tests to make an accurate diagnosis. These diagnostic tests can include an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), echocardiogram, stress tests, and heart monitors.
Once our team diagnoses your heart condition, we’ll create a treatment plan for you. These plans can vary based on your needs, ranging from small lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) to procedures performed by our doctors.
Call 478.207.5224 for more information about improving your heart health.
Choose the Advanced Cardiology Team at Middle Georgia Heart
Middle Georgia Heart is a practice built on a commitment to compassionate, knowledgeable cardiovascular care. Our medical professionals offer a level of quality found nowhere else in Middle Georgia and provide patients the personal attention they need.