Suggest treatment for congestive heart problem in a 91 year old female
Patient: My mom is 91 and just recently had a chest/heart x-ray which should some congestive heart problem with some water around her heart. Took her to cardiologist and he put her on Lasiks 1 per day and said to keep her feet and legs elevated. He wasn t real concerned, but did order an echo cardiogram to be done soon. Her home attendant just took her BP/pulse and reading was 128/77, pulse 100. She just started the Lasiks Thurs. May 7, 2015. She says she can breathe ok, but attendant says she s breathing heavy in a recliner chair w/feet up. She s adamant NO HOSPITAL. Do I need to worry? Doctor: Hi. Thank you for your query. I read it carefully.Now, the echocardiogram is really important in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) in identifying the ejection fraction of the ventricle and in assessing the movement and compliance of the heart muscle. My opinion is that furosemide (Lasix) should be continued, but she should be put in a very low salt intake diet. Furthermore, she should be restricted to only performing routine activities of everyday life. The problem is that any moderate to vigorous effort, as well as other factors (e.g. salt) that increase the workload of a failing, insufficient heart, raise the possibility of decompensating the CHF and exacerbate severe symptoms, that may be even life-threatening. I hope I was helpful. Take care.