if you have heart failure your prognosis or outlook for the future will depend on how well your heart muscle is functioning your symptoms and how well you respond to and follow your treatment plan. with the right care heart failure will not stop you from doing the things you enjoy. everyone with a long-term illness such as heart failure should discuss their desires for extended medical care with their doctor and family. an "advance directive" or "living will" is one way to let everyone know your wishes. a living will expresses your desires about the use of medical treatments to prolong your life. this document is prepared while you are fully competent in case you are unable to make these decisions at a later time.
what is the outlook for people with heart failure?