Life expectancy at stage 2
Stage 2 heart failure is characterized by symptoms under moderate stress. Breathlessness and exhaustion occur, for example, when climbing stairs after 2 floors. No symptoms are present at rest and under light exertion.
During this time most patients come to the doctor as they feel restricted in their performance. Structural changes are now clearly visible and the ejection volume of the heart is already significantly restricted. In addition to a consistent lifestyle change, drug therapy must be intensified to slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms such as leg edema, pulmonary edema or cardiac arrhythmia.
Life expectancy decreases as the disease progresses. The later heart failure is detected, the worse the prognosis. Statistically, the mortality rate is 10-20% per year.
Drugs such as ACE inhibitors can significantly reduce mortality. However, they must be taken regularly for the rest of one’s life. A cure is not possible. The therapy should be checked every 6-12 months.
Life expectancy at stage 3
In stage 3, symptoms already occur with light stress. Climbing stairs to the second floor is considerably more difficult and causes breathing difficulties and weakness. In load tests only 50 watts are reached.
Patients are significantly restricted in their everyday life and depend on help. At this stage, mortality rises dramatically to 50%. A drug therapy can be further increased and extended.
Further measures, including surgical ones, must be discussed in good time. A pacemaker can be implanted to support the heart muscles. The heart can be additionally relieved by reconstruction or replacement of heart valves. However, every operation carries a significantly higher risk for patients with cardiac insufficiency. A therapy check is necessary every 3 months.
Life expectancy at stage 4
In the final stage of cardiac insufficiency, symptoms already occur at rest. Stress is no longer possible. The ejection volume of the heart drops to below 30%.
Acute decompensation (deterioration) poses a particular risk. Complications such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, kidney failure and even cardiac arrest are possible. Those affected must be admitted to hospital immediately.
Without surgical measures, the 1-year life expectancy is sometimes reduced to 10-15%. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or the implantation of cardiac support systems can improve the quality of life in the final stages. Young patients need to be advised about a possible heart transplantation. Patients in stage 4 should be re-examined every month in order to change the therapy if necessary.
