Good for the elderly
Although there have been recent improvements in congestive heart failure treatment, researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years . For those with advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year.
Warning signs of worsening heart failure Sudden weight gain (2–3 pounds in one day or 5 or more pounds in one week) Extra swelling in the feet or ankles. Swelling or pain in the abdomen. Shortness of breath not related to exercise.
End-of-Life Signs: Congestive Heart Failure Shortness of Breath ( Dyspnea ): While shortness of breath is common throughout CHF (particularly while active), it becomes much more persistent towards the end of life. Swelling ( Edema ): Because of the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, fluid builds up in the body and swelling occurs.
It just needs some support to help it work better. It can occur at any age, but is most common in older people. Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.
Heart failure signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath ( dyspnea ) when you exert yourself or when you lie down. Fatigue and weakness . Swelling ( edema ) in your legs, ankles and feet. Rapid or irregular heartbeat. Reduced ability to exercise. Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.
Approximately 90% of heart failure patients die from cardiovascular causes. Fifty per cent die from progressive heart failure , and the remainder die suddenly from arrhythmias and ischaemic events.
Patients are considered to be in the terminal end stage of heart disease when they have a life expectancy of six months or less. Only a doctor can make a clinical determination of congestive heart failure life expectancy.
The symptoms of end – stage congestive heart failure include dyspnea, chronic cough or wheezing, edema, nausea or lack of appetite, a high heart rate, and confusion or impaired thinking.
In a recent study, it was reported that patients hospitalized with moderate systolic heart failure faced a median expected survival time of 2.4 years if they were aged 71 to 80 years and 1.4 years if they were aged 80 years or more. In patients with more advanced systolic dysfunction, life expectancy was even shorter.
But chronic congestive heart failure brings a slower, more painful death . When the weakened heart cannot pump out all the blood inside it, the blood backs up into veins and leaks through small blood vessels; tissues swell painfully .
There are four stages of heart failure (Stage A, B, C and D). The stages range from “high risk of developing heart failure” to “advanced heart failure,” and provide treatment plans.
You’re likely unable to carry on any amount of physical activity without symptoms, which are present even at rest. There’s no cure for CHF at this stage, but there are still quality of life and palliative care options.
While advancements have been made, according to a 2008 study, 50% of patients will have an average life expectancy of five years . For those with advanced heart failure , up to 90 % will pass away within one year .
Elderly patients are often treated with negative inotropic agents such as calcium channel antagonists or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal agents that promote fluid retention. They are prone to recurrent episodes of CHF due to various factors.
The most common causes are coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease. The history, if obtainable, has critical value. The clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure are common: dyspnea on exertion is the most common complaint and can worsen to dyspnea at rest.