Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Have Congestive Heart Failure, Leaking Mitral Valve, Enlarged Heart, Irregular Heartbeats. Taking Water Pill
My aunt is 85 and has congestive heart failure. Her mitral valve is leaking severely, her heart is enlarged and beats irregular. This was all discovered in May of this year, but she has been having symptoms for at least 1 year or more.. she takes 60mg of a water pill along with other medication and her left leg and ankle continue to stay swollen. She gets fatigued and out of breath quickly. What is a realistic life expectancy at this point.
Mon, 5 Aug 2013
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic
There is no diagnosis! It is difficult to assess life expectancy - it depends upon ejection fraction of heart / wall of the chambers / arrhythmia, their nature and frequency / renal function / response to medicines . Sorry to say, it is not likely to be long. The treating doctor alone can suggest based on his assessment of the situation.
Further deterioration can be prevented or postponed by aggressive management.
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
Welcome to Health Care Magic
There is no diagnosis! It is difficult to assess life expectancy - it depends upon ejection fraction of heart / wall of the chambers / arrhythmia, their nature and frequency / renal function / response to medicines . Sorry to say, it is not likely to be long. The treating doctor alone can suggest based on his assessment of the situation.
Further deterioration can be prevented or postponed by aggressive management.
Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
It is not possible to predict the life expectancy based on the symptoms. This usually varies from person to person. Different people respond to treatment in a different way. If her underlying problems are treated then her symptoms can improve.
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Cardiovascular disease
Loading Online Doctors....