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According to the CDC, almost 6 MILLION people in the United States suffer from heart failure (also referred to as congestive heart failure). With 1 in 9 deaths associated with heart failure-related conditions, you would think that it is one of the most concerning diseases in the United States. However, heart failure in and of itself is not a disease but rather the later manifestation of one or more other diseases.
The American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update for 2019 showed a staggering finding. At least 48% of American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. While this number is partly due to lowering the threshold considered high blood pressure, it is still shocking. Many of these diseases are the precursor to heart failure, including:
- Heart attack, which can destroy heart muscle and ultimately weaken the heart, especially if post-heart attack instructions for lifestyle change are not followed
- High cholesterol, which can cause plaque to form in the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, creating a heart attack
- High blood pressure or hypertension, which can increase strain on the heart and reduce its pumping ability over time
- Sleep apnea, when a patient’s breathing is obstructed at times during the night, often caused by obesity or excess weight
- Diabetes, which increases the amount of sugar in the blood and has proven to hasten the onset or worsen existing cardiovascular problems
- Excess weight and obesity, which can cause any of the above
- Smoking can thicken and narrow the blood vessels, increase plaque formation within the arteries, and increase harmful cholesterol levels
Other factors such as congenital heart defects, genetics, and certain medications can all contribute to an increased risk of heart failure as well.
Fortunately, it is estimated that upwards of 80% of all cardiovascular problems can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle or early intervention. Sadly, most people who have progressed to heart failure are not able to control their cardiovascular issues in time, which ultimately leads to severe consequences.
How Long Can You Live with Heart Failure?
While the prognosis for treatment of heart failure can vary based on the level or stage the patient has reached, the most critical next step is to treat the underlying condition that may be causing or worsening the heart failure. This may be done through a surgical procedure or lifestyle change, including improved diet and exercise. Medications will be necessary to mitigate symptoms and treat some underlying conditions.
Although statistics do not accurately reflect an individual patient’s prognosis, it is estimated that about 50% of heart failure patients have an average life expectancy of under five years. Life expectancy is significantly worse for those with advanced heart failure.
Can You Recover From Heart Failure?
Unfortunately, full recovery from heart failure is not possible. When heart failure is caught in its early stages, our goal is to mitigate any progression or worsening and to strengthen the heart as much as possible to avoid many symptoms and extend quality life expectancy.
With a growing proportion of heart failure patients under the age of 60, we must discuss heart failure earlier in life, as most cases are preventable. Further, it is essential to remember that heart failure, while not a disease itself, is a genuine consequence of several diseases that have become more prevalent in the United States as the rates of obesity and other causes of cardiovascular disease have increased.
