Watch this video to learn more about how heart failure is classified, what symptoms to watch for and how to work with your health care team to manage your condition.

The way of classifying the progression of heart failure is by your symptoms and how they affect your everyday activities.

In Class I, you are able to do all your normal activities with no symptoms. In Class II, you have some limitations and are beginning to have symptoms. When doing more strenuous activities, you make it short of breath.

In Class III, you have symptoms even with light activity. For example, you might have difficulty just walking across a room or getting dressed. In Class IV, you have symptoms even when you're resting. Any activity causes discomfort.

Heart failure can shorten your life. But with proper medical treatment and lifestyle changes, it's possible for the condition of the heart to remain stable for many years, and for symptoms to be well controlled.

At any stage of heart failure, your participation and your treatment is essential. You will need to watch and report your symptoms, closely follow instructions on eating and drinking, take any medications exactly as prescribed, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Work with your health care team to control heart failure, lessen your symptoms, and enjoy the highest quality of life possible.