Many patients who are hospitalized for heart failure – almost 1 million each year in the United States alone – can return to a modified version of their everyday routine within weeks or months, depending upon the severity of their condition. Regardless of the nature and severity of heart failure, each patient is encouraged to avoid physical and emotional stress as much as possible, rest often (although supervised exercise can be beneficial to certain patients), avoid extreme temperatures and report to a physician any symptom changes (e.g., weight gain) that may be a sign of fluid retention.

Nevertheless, heart failure is a serious condition. According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of men and 70 percent of women under age 65 who are diagnosed with heart failure will die within 8 years. Chances of survival are based on the cause and severity of heart failure, as well as lifestyle changes that the patient chooses to make (e.g., taking all medications as instructed, eating a heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking).

The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better a patient's prospects for an improved quality of life down the road.