Stage C: The Onset of Symptoms
Venturing into Stage C of diastolic heart failure, the silence that once characterized the condition starts to fade. It’s at this stage that patients begin to exhibit discernible symptoms of heart failure. This marks a significant transition point in the journey, transforming diastolic heart failure from an ‘invisible’ condition to a tangible disease that can significantly impact daily life.
The symptoms that appear in Stage C often include breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. As the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood diminishes further, the body becomes increasingly deprived of the oxygen-rich blood it requires. These symptoms are the body’s way of expressing this deprivation.
Living with these symptoms presents a new set of challenges for patients. Daily activities, once taken for granted, can become arduous tasks. Walking up a flight of stairs or performing household chores might leave a patient breathless, further reinforcing the reality of their condition.
Thus, Stage C paints a stark picture of a heart under duress and a body attempting to cope with the ensuing challenges. This stage necessitates active management of symptoms and rigorous treatment to prevent further progression of the disease. Regular monitoring and medication adjustments are often needed to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. (3)
