Facts about HF

Heart failure can be a debilitating and life-threatening condition in which the ventricles do not beat at the same time (ventricular dysynchrony).

• Afflicts nearly 5 million people in the US
• Estimated 550,000 new cases diagnosed annually

Despite current drug therapies, morbidity and mortality remain high.

• Hospital discharges for congestive heart failure (CHF) have tripled in the last 30 Years
• 80% of men and 70% of women who have congestive heart failure (CHF) will die within 8 years
• Most common forms of death
• Sudden cardiac death
• Death from worsening heart failure

Because of their heart’s inability to efficiently pump blood and supply oxygen to organs like the kidneys and the brain, those affected by heart failure may suffer from a number of symptoms including

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the feet and legs
• Lack of energy, feeling tired
• Difficulty sleeping at night due to breathing problems
• Cough with "frothy" sputum
• Swollen or tender abdomen, loss of appetite
• Increased urination at night
• Confusion, impaired memory

The symptoms of heart failure are usually graded based on a classification system established by the New York Heart Association (NYHA Class I, II, III or IV). The classifications are based on symptoms experienced during exertional activity. In general, Class I patients have no symptoms of heart failure, Class II have mild to moderate heart failure, Class III have moderate to severe heart failure, and Class IV have severe heart failure.

For more information, see
http://www. medtronic.com/physician/hf/hf_dys.html