Heart Failure

For people living with stage A or stage B heart failure, our top priority is getting you on the path to better health before symptoms begin to show. For many people, that starts with making heart-healthy lifestyle choices, like exercising more, managing your weight and having less salt in your diet.

Stopping smoking and cutting back on alcohol use does your heart a big favor, too, but that’s not always easy to do on your own. There are resources and support available to help, and we’re always here to listen if you need to talk.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication — like beta-blockers or diuretics — to slow or stop the progression of heart failure. You can learn more about heart failure medications with our guide, "How to Take Your Heart Failure Medicines."

For people living with stage C or stage D heart failure, also known as advanced or end-stage heart failure, we focus on:

• Managing symptoms
• Preventing further complications
• Helping you enjoy a comfortable quality of life

We always prefer to start with minimally invasive treatments, such as lifestyle changes and medications, for heart failure. However, if these strategies are not sufficient, we will consider more advanced options like mechanical circulatory support or a heart transplant.

Deciding to have a heart transplant or an LVAD is an important choice, and you’ll make it with your doctor and the people who support you. You might be a good candidate if:

• Your heart has trouble pumping enough blood to keep you feeling healthy.
• Your body is ready to handle the surgery and the recovery that comes after.

Deciding whether to move forward with a heart transplant or an LVAD is a big decision, and it’s important to take your time and think about all the options. Here are some steps to help you make the right choice:

• Talk to your care team: They’ll explain your options and help you understand the benefits and risks.
• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about the LVAD surgery, recovery and how it will affect your life.
• Involve your support team: Talk with family and friends to get their thoughts and support.
• Consider your health: Think about how well your body can handle LVAD surgery and recovery.
• Think about your future: Consider how the treatment might improve your life in the long run.
• Take your time: This is an important choice, so make sure you feel ready and comfortable with your decision.

Your doctor, support team and loved ones will be there to guide you every step of the way through your heart failure treatment journey.

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump blood as effectively as it should, causing blood and fluid to back up in the lungs and other parts of the body. This condition often results from underlying health issues such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or heart muscle damage.  

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition that may require ongoing care, including lifestyle changes, medications, and advanced treatments or heart transplant surgery. Early diagnosis and personalized care can improve symptoms and quality of life. 

In some cases, congestive heart failure can have a hereditary component. Certain genetic factors, such as familial cardiomyopathies, can increase the risk of heart failure by affecting the structure and function of the heart muscle.  

If you have a family history of heart failure or cardiac conditions, it’s important to share this information with your doctor. By identifying risk factors early, you can take proactive steps to support your heart health and, if needed, access appropriate heart failure treatment. 

While heart failure is typically a chronic condition, it is possible to manage and, in some cases, improve heart function with timely and effective care. There are also some reversible causes.  Early-stage heart failure can often be addressed with lifestyle changes, medications, or device therapy.  

Advanced treatments like ventricular assist devices (VADs) or cardiac transplant surgery may be considered for severe cases. While not all heart failure can be fully reversed, comprehensive heart failure treatment can significantly improve symptoms, improve heart function, and support a better quality of life.

The life expectancy for someone with congestive heart failure is highly variable and depends on the stage and severity of the condition, as well as the effectiveness of their heart failure treatment. Early diagnosis and personalized care can greatly improve outcomes.  

At Tufts Medicine, we focus on managing heart failure symptoms and slowing disease progression through lifestyle changes, medications, and advanced treatments like a heart transplant for those with severe cases. Every person’s journey is unique, and with the right care, many people live longer, healthier lives. 

A heart transplant is often recommended for people with Stage D heart failure, also known as advanced or end-stage heart failure. At this stage, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively and no longer responds to standard therapies like medications and other less invasive procedures.

At Tufts Medicine, we specialize in guiding individuals through the heart transplant process, offering expert care and support at every step. For many, a heart transplant is the best chance to restore heart function and significantly improve quality of life. 

Yes, many people with advanced heart failure may be eligible for a heart transplant, depending on their overall health and specific condition. A cardiac transplant is typically recommended for those whose heart failure symptoms can't be managed with other treatments. The cardiology team at Tufts Medicine carefully evaluates each individual to determine if a heart transplant is the right choice, ensuring the highest standard of care throughout the process.