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Heart failure is not a heart attack. Heart failure — sometimes called a weak heart — is a long-term condition and can get worse over time. It happens when the heart muscle gets so weak it can no longer pump blood well enough to meet the body's needs.1
If not managed and treated, it can lead to poor quality of life, hospitalizations and death. Heart failure causes more than 377,000 deaths each year in the United States.2
In its early stages, heart failure can often be managed with medicines and a healthy way of life. As heart failure gets worse and the heart becomes weaker, medicine becomes less effective. Other therapies may then be needed.4
Tiredness or fatigue
Swelling
Constant coughing
Weight gain
Lightheadedness and confusion
Faster heart rate
Trouble breathing
Nausea or lack of appetite
Symptoms like these can limit your activities and way of life without you even realizing it. They may also mean your heart failure is getting worse.
The New York Heart Association created a system to help define the stages of heart failure. Doctors use this four-stage Heart Failure Class System developed by the NYHA to define the seriousness of a person’s heart failure. These heart failure stages are sometimes referred to as the classes of heart failure. As the disease and symptoms get worse, the heart failure class level changes from early-stage heart failure (Class I) to advanced heart failure (Class III or Class IV). The descriptions below, developed by the NYHA, show each stage and how the related symptoms affect quality of life.
No symptoms or limitations to physical activity.
Slight limitations to physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Ordinary physical activity results in feeling tired and short of breath.
Major limitations to physical activity. Less than ordinary activity results in feeling tired and short of breath.
Unable to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Tired and short of breath even at rest.
It is important to understand that heart failure is a serious condition. It is also important to recognize if your symptoms are getting worse. If you have worsening symptoms your doctor may suggest advanced therapies to manage and treat your heart failure.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) also have a system for classification of heart failure. This system includes patients who are at a high risk of developing heart failure but have not yet been diagnosed. The ACC/AHA system complements the NYHA system and are often used together by physicians.
| ACC/AHA Stage | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| A | At high risk for heart failure but without structural heart disease or symptoms of heart failure. |
| B | Structural heart disease but without signs or symptoms of heart failure. |
| C | Structural heart disease with prior or current symptoms of heart failure. |
| D | Refractory heart failure requiring specialized interventions. |
These materials are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice or information. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding the medical procedures, devices and/or your personal health, please discuss these with your physician.
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