How Is An Individual's Prognosis Determined If He Or She Is Diagnosed With Heart Failure?

— -- Question: How is an individual's prognosis determined if he or she is diagnosed with heart failure?

Answer: The prognosis of patients with heart failure is extremely variable. Approximately one third of patients with a new diagnosis of heart failure will actually have complete normalization of their heart function when they are treated appropriately and take medications. Probably the most important factor is how a patient feels. A patient who is doing well, who is active will have a good prognosis. And a patient will really know if they are not doing well before their doctor will be able to tell them.