New Delhi: Heart failure (HF) is the inability of the heart to circulate blood effectively, causing signs such as breathlessness, fatigue, and congestion. Although heart failure may evolve acutely, it tends to do so insidiously. Familiarisation with its phases is important in facilitating early treatment and improved control. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Ashish Kumar Govil, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, simplified the six phases of heart failure for sensitisation and the facilitation of timely care.
Stage A: At Risk for Heart Failure
Stage A is when one is at risk of heart failure but has no symptoms yet. Risk factors include:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Diabetes
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sedentary Lifestyle
There are no symptoms but preventive actions such as lifestyle modification and drug management are crucial to prevent advancement to more advanced stages.
Stage B: Pre-Heart Failure
In Stage B, patients have heart damage (such as from a heart attack or valve disease) but are asymptomatic. Although no symptoms are visible, the functioning of the heart is impaired. Drugs like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are usually given to avoid further injury. Follow-up visits are important to track changes in heart function.
Stage C: Symptomatic Heart Failure
Some of the common symptoms are shortness of breath, weakness, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. By this stage, the heart is severely unable to pump blood and treatment may involve medications such as ARNI, SGLT-2 Inhibitors, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or aldosterone antagonists to control the symptoms. Also, lifestyle modification in the form of sodium reduction and fluid management is an essential part of the management of this condition.
Stage D: Advanced Heart Failure
Stage D is severe heart failure that cannot be controlled with regular treatments. People have restricting symptoms even when resting, which include permanent shortness of breath, severe fatigue, and uncontrolled fluid build-up in the body. Advanced therapies such as CRT-D/P, conduction system pacing, implantable devices (e.g., LVADs), or heart transplants, might be required. Palliative care can also be provided to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Patients can be bedridden or need constant care. The attention now turns to comfort rather than disease treatment with management directed at pain relief and the reduction of distress.
Palliative and hospice care are essential to assist both patients and their families during this challenging phase. In this stage, the heart fails to support vital body functions.
Increasing Awareness for Early Intervention
Heart failure can progress gradually, usually with no symptoms at all. Knowledge of the six stages enables people to identify warning signs and get appropriate medical treatment on time. Preventing the disease from advancing is facilitated by regular health checks and controlling risk factors. Knowledge of the stages helps people get proper care at each stage, thereby enhancing their outcomes as well as quality of life.
When it comes to heart failure, it all begins with lifestyle, poor choices and hypertension. But how long does it take for the same to progress to heart failure? Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
