How long can you live with severe heart failure?

Unfortunately, severe heart failure is a serious medical condition with highly variable prognoses. Depending on the severity and type of heart failure, life expectancy can range from months to years. People who are diagnosed with severe heart failure may have an average life expectancy ranging from 1-3 years after diagnosis depending upon the individual's health status at the time of diagnosis and the presence of other chronic diseases or illnesses.

Despite this, it is important to note that many people with severe heart failure live beyond this estimate, some for much longer periods; modern treatments such as medications, pacemakers/defibrillators implants, lifestyle changes (such as diet/exercise modifications), and even surgery can all help improve overall quality of life and longevity in those afflicted by severe heart failure. Ultimately each case must be evaluated individually by a healthcare professional to determine what treatment plan is best suited for the patient in question.