What is the outlook for people with heart failure?
The prognosis or outlook for the future will depend on how well the heart muscle is functioning, the symptoms and how well the patient responds to and follows their treatment plan. With the right care, heart failure will not stop the patient from doing the things they enjoy. Everyone with a long-term illness, such as heart failure, should discuss desires for extended medical care with their doctor and family. An “advance directive” or “living will” is recommended. A living will expresses the desires about the use of medical treatments to prolong a life. This document is prepared while the patient is fully competent in case he/she is unable to make these decisions at a later time.
With the right care, heart failure will not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Your prognosis or outlook for the future will depend on how well your heart muscle is functioning, your symptoms, and how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan. Everyone with a long-term illness, such as heart failure, should discuss their desires for extended medical care with their doctor and family. An “advance directive” or “living will” is one way to let everyone know your wishes. A living will expresses your desires about the use of medical treatments to prolong your life. This document is prepared while you are fully competent in case you are unable to make these decisions at a later time. Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute (2006). Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, October 1, 2005, WebMD.
healthren.com Your prognosis or outlook for the future will depend on how well your heart muscle is functioning, your symptoms and how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan. With the right care, heart failure will not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. healthren.com Everyone with a long-term illness, such as heart failure, should discuss their desires for extended medical care with their doctor and family. An “advance directive” or “living will” is one way to let everyone know your wishes. A living will expresses your desires about the use of medical treatments to prolong your life. This document is prepared while you are fully competent in case you are unable to make these decisions at a later time. healthren.
