What is the life expectancy for someone with WHO Functional Class 3 PAH and right heart failure?
This is understandably one of the most important — and difficult — questions to sit with. The honest answer is that it varies quite a bit from person to person, and there are reasons for real hope here.
WHO Functional Class 3 Show Full Answer
What is the life expectancy for someone with WHO Functional Class 3 PAH and right heart failure?
This is understandably one of the most important — and difficult — questions to sit with. The honest answer is that it varies quite a bit from person to person, and there are reasons for real hope here.
WHO Functional Class 3 means symptoms show up with less-than-normal physical activity. At this stage, the estimated risk of dying within one year is between 5% and 20%, placing it in the "intermediate risk" category. Right heart failure is a serious complication of PAH, and it does affect outlook. However, several factors influence how things progress, including:
- How well treatments are working
- How quickly the condition was diagnosed
- Age and overall health
- Staying on top of regular risk assessments with your care team
The goal of treatment at this stage is to move toward — and stay at — a lower risk status for as long as possible. Modern therapies have made a real difference, with some studies showing over 60% of people with PAH living at least five years after diagnosis.
Keeping close communication with your specialist is the most powerful tool available. Treatment plans can be adjusted, and progress in PAH therapies continues to improve outcomes.
November 2
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