Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath, Fatigue, Swelling Of Feet And Ankles
Question: My Dad is a 65 year old man that developed shortness of breath with exertion several weeks after experiencing a viral illness. This is accompanied by swelling of the feet and ankles and increasing fatigue. He is mildly short of breath lying down, but feels better sitting upright. His pulse is 105 and regular, and blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg. His doctor said he has crackles at both bases, and his jugular venous pressure is elevated. His liver is enlarged and there is 3+ edema to his ankles and feet. An echocardiogram shows a dilated, poorly contracting heart with left ventricular ejection fraction of about 20%. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to a viral infection with stage C, class II heart failure. Can you tell me what the best treatment is for him, what medicines, etc. ?
Brief Answer:
Treatment is the same as in heart failure
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In this case when there is a dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to viral infection the treatment is the same as in heart failure.
There are several groups of medication, which have favourable effects on heart contractility, function, they help to stabilize heart failure. If taken for a long time they can decrease sizes of cardiac chambers, which is very good. Also they lenghten the life and improve quality of life.
The main groups of such medications are ACE inhibitors and Beta blockers. In your father's case he will need also diuretics (water pills). There can be a need for other medications depending on the course of his disease and his condition.
Nowdays heart failure medications are available wordwide, and usually patients receive appropriate care. So I think your doctor will prescribe your father all these medications.
But he also needs lifestyle interventions; he should restrict the amount of salt and liquids he takes. After heart failure stabilization there will be a need for rehabilitation.
In this case we have good outcome in many patients if they take treatment regularly and do lifestyle changes approaprately.
Hope I could help you
Wishing a good health to your father
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Treatment is the same as in heart failure
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In this case when there is a dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to viral infection the treatment is the same as in heart failure.
There are several groups of medication, which have favourable effects on heart contractility, function, they help to stabilize heart failure. If taken for a long time they can decrease sizes of cardiac chambers, which is very good. Also they lenghten the life and improve quality of life.
The main groups of such medications are ACE inhibitors and Beta blockers. In your father's case he will need also diuretics (water pills). There can be a need for other medications depending on the course of his disease and his condition.
Nowdays heart failure medications are available wordwide, and usually patients receive appropriate care. So I think your doctor will prescribe your father all these medications.
But he also needs lifestyle interventions; he should restrict the amount of salt and liquids he takes. After heart failure stabilization there will be a need for rehabilitation.
In this case we have good outcome in many patients if they take treatment regularly and do lifestyle changes approaprately.
Hope I could help you
Wishing a good health to your father
In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask
Regards,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
