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What Are The Symptoms Of Congestive Heart Failure?
Question: Male, 62
6’4”, 265 lbs. (dry weight after morning urination – loosing 1 pound per month by cutting down on portions/fatty foods)
BP 120 – 130 over 70 - 80
resp 15 breaths/min
blood oxygen 99 – 94%
all blood tests including last year’s normal
take Losartan/HCTZ 100-25
minor swelling of toes, feet, ankles reduced to minimal when the HCTZ was increased to 25, now minor swelling of shin area upon sitting for long periods – was told it was venous insufficiency
stress test and cauterization all ok 4 years ago – no stents inserted, the aide said I had a large heart and I asked him was that bad – he said no, there was no discussion about that from the doctor
quit drinking 3.5 years ago (drank beer), smoke 0.5 packs a day,
Urine clear to light yellow – I try to limit my water/fluids to minimize the swelling – drink 2 – 3 liters per day
Stool color ok – occasion constipation, stools general loose bit not diarrhea
Sleep 8 – 9 hours – generally straight through – not getting up to urinate or cough, not feeling breathless
I don’t exercise that much but when walking in stores I don’t appear to be out of breath
I have some peripheral neuropathy I believe in my feet, arms – tingly feeling on occasion
Occasional itching on a spot on the back of my hands – location varies Benadryl relieve the itch
Symptoms – occasional tickle cough – some mucous – clear – no blood, sometimes feel bloated after eating too much food,
Question – do I have CHF, cirrhosis, or both? Can these become acute?
6’4”, 265 lbs. (dry weight after morning urination – loosing 1 pound per month by cutting down on portions/fatty foods)
BP 120 – 130 over 70 - 80
resp 15 breaths/min
blood oxygen 99 – 94%
all blood tests including last year’s normal
take Losartan/HCTZ 100-25
minor swelling of toes, feet, ankles reduced to minimal when the HCTZ was increased to 25, now minor swelling of shin area upon sitting for long periods – was told it was venous insufficiency
stress test and cauterization all ok 4 years ago – no stents inserted, the aide said I had a large heart and I asked him was that bad – he said no, there was no discussion about that from the doctor
quit drinking 3.5 years ago (drank beer), smoke 0.5 packs a day,
Urine clear to light yellow – I try to limit my water/fluids to minimize the swelling – drink 2 – 3 liters per day
Stool color ok – occasion constipation, stools general loose bit not diarrhea
Sleep 8 – 9 hours – generally straight through – not getting up to urinate or cough, not feeling breathless
I don’t exercise that much but when walking in stores I don’t appear to be out of breath
I have some peripheral neuropathy I believe in my feet, arms – tingly feeling on occasion
Occasional itching on a spot on the back of my hands – location varies Benadryl relieve the itch
Symptoms – occasional tickle cough – some mucous – clear – no blood, sometimes feel bloated after eating too much food,
Question – do I have CHF, cirrhosis, or both? Can these become acute?
Brief Answer:
Most likely signs of Congestive Heart Failure.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking Health care magic.
I have gone through your query. Your symptoms give the impression of congestive heart failure but mild to moderate and controlled by the medication which you take. Angiotensin receptor blocker Losartan which helps your heart from further remodelling and diuretic HCTZ helps in flushing excessive fluid accumulation in body. In such a way your congestive heart failure is controlled. As long as it is controlled by medications and regular follow acute conditions are most unlikely.
Itching can be due to the mild edema you have. But a liver cirrhosis should be ruled out by ultrasound of liver and Liver function blood test.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Most likely signs of Congestive Heart Failure.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for asking Health care magic.
I have gone through your query. Your symptoms give the impression of congestive heart failure but mild to moderate and controlled by the medication which you take. Angiotensin receptor blocker Losartan which helps your heart from further remodelling and diuretic HCTZ helps in flushing excessive fluid accumulation in body. In such a way your congestive heart failure is controlled. As long as it is controlled by medications and regular follow acute conditions are most unlikely.
Itching can be due to the mild edema you have. But a liver cirrhosis should be ruled out by ultrasound of liver and Liver function blood test.
Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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