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Breathlessness, Edema In Limbs, Done Echocardiogram, Family History Of CHF

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Posted on Mon, 4 Jun 2012
Question: I have severe edema in legs, ankles,feets and,just recently in both arms. Occassional shortness of breath lying flat. Shortness of breath when bending over. I had a normal echocardiogram. I have a lenghty family history of CHF. Does a normal echo rule out CHF?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (4 hours later)
Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
Your symptoms are highly suggestive of a congestive heart failure. A normal echocardiogram does not rule out congestive heart failure. Echocardiogram is an important investigation to detect early morphological changes in heart and ejection fraction during heart failure. But heart failure is mainly diagnosed based on the symptomatology and is treated accordingly. Your symptoms might happen due to renal problem or lung diseases also. Detailed investigations are needed to find out the cause.
You definitely need to consult your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14041 Questions

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Breathlessness, Edema In Limbs, Done Echocardiogram, Family History Of CHF

Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
Your symptoms are highly suggestive of a congestive heart failure. A normal echocardiogram does not rule out congestive heart failure. Echocardiogram is an important investigation to detect early morphological changes in heart and ejection fraction during heart failure. But heart failure is mainly diagnosed based on the symptomatology and is treated accordingly. Your symptoms might happen due to renal problem or lung diseases also. Detailed investigations are needed to find out the cause.
You definitely need to consult your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.