The majority of the nearly 5 million U.S. patients with heart failure are older than 65 years. Results of a new study published in the March 7 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine suggest that heart failure survival after 6 years in adults 67 years and older on Medicare is very low and may be worse than the prognosis for most types of cancer. One third died within a year. Survival was better among persons who also had a diagnosis of either high blood pressure or coronary heart disease during the same hospital stay. More contact with health care providers and better use of effective medications during earlier treatment may have reduced their severity of disease and improved their chances for survival.
Heart failure happens when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, lung sounds on examination, fluid retention, and fatigue. The two major preventable conditions that increase a person's risk of heart failure are high blood pressure and heart attacks. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can weaken the heart, and heart attacks damage or destroy heart muscle. By clicking the 'Search' button, you agree to the terms and conditions under Disclaimer . Who is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services, and the materials, information, and answers provided by and through the Website are for information purposes only and not intended to replace the services of a trained health care professional or to be a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified health care professional.