Congestive heart failure is a long-term condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump blood well enough to supply the body with a normal amount of blood. There are four stages of heart failure, ranging from a high risk of developing heart failure to advanced heart failure. The four stages of heart failure are:
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Stage A: This stage refers to people who are at high risk of developing heart failure because they have a family history of congestive heart failure or have one or more medical conditions that increase their risk.
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Stage B: This stage refers to people whose left ventricle is not working well and/or is structurally abnormal, but they have never had symptoms of heart failure.
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Stage C: This stage refers to people who have a congestive heart failure diagnosis and currently have or previously had signs and symptoms of the condition.
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Stage D: This stage refers to people with advanced symptoms that do not get better with treatment. This is the final stage of heart failure.
The severity of heart failure and its associated symptoms determine the stage of heart failure. The treatment plan for heart failure depends on the type of heart failure and what caused it. Medications and lifestyle changes are part of every heart failure treatment plan.
