Prognosis and duration of disabling effects
The prognosis is worse with increasing age and probably in males.
Prognosis in heart failure depends on the severity of the disease and the presence of complications, such as arrhythmias. Higher concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are commonly associated with increased risk of death and other adverse cardiovascular events. (Click on Investigations)
It also depends on what has caused the heart failure in the first place.
- 10% of patients, with mild to moderate heart failure die within a year,
- Over 50% of patients with severe heart failure die within the first year after diagnosis.
- Advanced heart failure is regarded as fitting into the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification of class 3 to class 4 symptoms. (Click on Functional Classification)
Patients with severe heart failure are prescribed Metolazone (a Thiazide diuretic).
Patients in the terminal stage of the disease are prescribed Diamorphine.
Prognosis in the Older Person
- The 5 - year survival rate for older persons with established heart failure is less than 50% - that is worse than for most forms of cancer.
- Advanced heart failure in older persons carries a one - year mortality rate of 25% to 50%.
In all cases - Indefinite award
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
