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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With COPD And Heart Failure?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Feb 2016
Question: My sister just had her second heart attack. Her last one was over a year and a half ago. She has been diagnosed with copd and congestive heart failure. What is her life expectancy? My sister will be 74 in 4 months.
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would explain that the life expectancy in these cases depends on different factors like:

1.her cardiac function. You should know that heart failure grade III or IV NYHA has a lower life expectancy than lower grades (grade III or IV means that her physical activity is restricted and she is unable to perform normal physical activity without symptoms).
Nevertheless the fact that she has had two heart attacks, imposes a higher risk for new cardiac events in the next 5 years.

Could you please upload her last cardiac echography for me to review and give a more specific professional opinion? Has she undergone any interventions for her coronary artery disease like CABG or coronary stents?

2. Her pulmonary function is another factor that limits her life expectancy. Could you please upload her last respiratory function tests or chest X ray reports for me to review? An advanced copd could also lead to heart failure (besides the passed myocardial infarcts).

Coming to this point, I would conclude that if she is suffering from a higher grade of cardiac failure or advanced copd, her life expectancy in the next five yours would be limited, even with the proper therapy.

Hope to have been of help!

Wishing all the best for this New Year!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9535 Questions

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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With COPD And Heart Failure?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and would explain that the life expectancy in these cases depends on different factors like: 1.her cardiac function. You should know that heart failure grade III or IV NYHA has a lower life expectancy than lower grades (grade III or IV means that her physical activity is restricted and she is unable to perform normal physical activity without symptoms). Nevertheless the fact that she has had two heart attacks, imposes a higher risk for new cardiac events in the next 5 years. Could you please upload her last cardiac echography for me to review and give a more specific professional opinion? Has she undergone any interventions for her coronary artery disease like CABG or coronary stents? 2. Her pulmonary function is another factor that limits her life expectancy. Could you please upload her last respiratory function tests or chest X ray reports for me to review? An advanced copd could also lead to heart failure (besides the passed myocardial infarcts). Coming to this point, I would conclude that if she is suffering from a higher grade of cardiac failure or advanced copd, her life expectancy in the next five yours would be limited, even with the proper therapy. Hope to have been of help! Wishing all the best for this New Year! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri