What condition is characterized by structural heart disease and symptoms of heart failure?

Stage C heart failure is characterized by the presence of structural heart disease as well as current or prior symptoms of heart failure. This stage signifies that the patient's heart has undergone some degree of damage or alteration, which can be evident on diagnostic imaging or other evaluations, and they exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or fluid retention due to heart failure.

At this stage, patients might experience limitation in physical activity as a result of their heart condition, but they are still capable of some level of exertion. The distinction of Stage C is critical because it helps guide treatment options; patients in this stage may benefit from various pharmacological interventions, lifestyle changes, and possibly more advanced therapies depending on individual circumstances and severity of their symptoms.

This classification system assists healthcare professionals in determining appropriate management strategies as well as in monitoring disease progression. Other stages, such as A and B, do not include current symptoms, while stage D refers to advanced heart failure with ongoing symptoms despite optimal treatment.