Brief Answer:
improve cardiovascular and respiratory fitness

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

welcome to the 'Ask a Doctor' service. I've gone through your query and I understand his frustration.

This situation is probably related to the weakness and breathlessness that serious heart failure causes. First of all I'd like you to clarify something for me. You've mentioned 'acute' CHF. If it's really acute (and not chronic that is) then perhaps he requires in person assessment of his condition by his doctor as he may be in need of intravenous diuretics and monitoring. Chronic CHF can be managed by modifying the dosage of diuretics (mostly).

If he's breathless all the time then he either has very serious heart failure (which can't - or is difficult to - improve with conservative measures) or his treatment has not been optimized. Improving his cardiovascular fitness may help. If he's able to walk then walking every day or every other day may help. If he's unable to carry out basic every-day tasks without becoming breathless then it's very unlikely than anything besides appropriate drug treatment and salt restriction will help him.

I know there are too many 'ifs' but I don't really know his current status so I can't just guess...

Unfortunately there is no treatment for this symptom besides improving his overall status. Other factors that may worsen his condition like smoking or respiratory tract disorders will have to be treated as well.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Kind Regards!

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