A heart failure does not mean that the heart has stopped functioning but what is happening is that the heart is unable to pump out sufficient blood to meet the requirements of the body. The chambers in the heart may respond by expanding and carrying more blood to pump out to the rest of the body, but over a period of time the walls of the chambers will become thicker and stiffer and hence keep the blood moving. However, with time the muscles of the heart will get weaker.
Elsewhere in the body, the kidneys react by holding on to the water and salt, causing build-up of fluids, in the ankles, arms, lungs, legs, feet and other organs.
According to heart specialists, many conditions can damage the heart and bring on heart failure.
Systolic Heart Failure – occurs when the muscles of the heart are unable to squeeze with enough force, to pump the oxygen-rich blood through the body. Diastolic Heart Failure – Even though the heart is able to squeeze the oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of the body, the ventricle (the main pumping chamber), does not relax, consequently lowering the amount of blood that can enter the heart. This then raises the blood pressure in the lungs, which leads to fluid collection in the lungs, legs and abdomen.
Stage A – is the stage at which a patient has been identified to be at risk for heart failure. If diagnosed with any of the following, then the patient is in Stage A.
Stage B – is the phase where a patient has been diagnosed with systolic left ventricular dysfunction, even though no symptoms of heart failure were evident. In other words it means that the left lower chamber of the heart is not pumping blood as it should. Patients in stage B would have had:
Stage C – a patient is at Stage C, if a patient has had a systolic heart failure together with symptoms of:
Stage D – a patient who has had a systolic heart failure and continues to have advanced symptoms, after getting medical care, is at this stage.
In the fight against heart failure, Kauvery Hospital sets the benchmark. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, they strive to provide comprehensive care, customized treatment, and empathetic service to patients suffering from varying degrees of heart disease. Harnessing the exquisite skills of our heart specialists, their advanced diagnostic technologies, and impeccable knowledge, they work towards mitigating the effects of heart failures effectively. Understanding the stages of heart failure is key in managing the condition and that’s where Kauvery Hospital steps in. They help you navigate the complex journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, making your heart healthier, stronger, and sustainable.
1. What is heart failure?
Heart failure means the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working.
2. What causes heart failure?
Heart failure can be caused by coronary artery disease, heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
3. What are the types of heart failure?
There are two types: systolic heart failure (heart muscles can’t pump properly) and diastolic heart failure (the heart can’t relax enough to fill with blood).
4. What are the stages of heart failure?
Heart failure has four stages:
Stage A: At risk due to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Stage B: Left ventricular dysfunction without symptoms.
Stage C: Symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.
Stage D: Advanced symptoms despite medical care.
5. How does heart failure affect other parts of the body?
The kidneys hold onto water and salt, causing fluid buildup in the ankles, arms, lungs, legs, feet, and other organs.
6. What are the symptoms of Stage C heart failure?
Stage C heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, reduced ability to exercise, and fatigue.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
