Each year, roughly 550,000 people are diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) in the United States. With so many people receiving this diagnosis, it’s important to understand the severity of this condition and what each stage entails. Consider the details:

Stage 1 of Congestive Heart Failure

If you’ve been diagnosed with stage one of congestive heart failure, it is because a doctor has noticed a weakness in your heart. This news may be surprising, as stage one of CHF does not exhibit any symptoms. Although CHF cannot be cured, you can make healthy lifestyle changes and take certain medication to manage this condition.

Stage 2 of Congestive Heart Failure

Stage two of congestive heart failure will produce symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations after you participate in physical activity. As with stage one, lifestyle changes and certain medication can help improve your quality of life. Your doctor will discuss treatment with you and help you on your healthcare journey while living with CHF.

Stage 3 of Congestive Heart Failure

It’s not uncommon for congestive heart failure to be accompanied by other heart conditions. If you are diagnosed with stage three CHF, along with another heart condition, it’s likely that you’ll have difficulty performing regular tasks. Small bouts of exercise or minimal doses of physical activity will cause the same symptoms mentioned in stage two – fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. In stage three, lifestyle changes are not as effective, and a surgical procedure may be necessary. However, it’s never too late to talk to a doctor about your heart condition and what the future may look like.

Stage 4 of Congestive Heart Failure

Stage four of congestive heart failure produces severe symptoms such as rapid breathing, chest pain, skin that appears blue, or fainting. These symptoms may occur whether you are exercising or at rest. In this stage, your doctor will discuss if surgery is beneficial. Although there is no cure for CHF, you can avoid this condition by eating right, exercising, avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Our compassionate doctors would love to help you through this journey. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment today.