My husband, 61 year old hispanic, 6'2", ca 200 lbs, has congestive heart failure (18 % ef) with severe left systolic dysfunction and dilation (7.7 cm). He also has copd and the last cardiopulmonary stress test showed a measurement of only slightly over 18 (not sure what this means and don't have the papers here). He is on betablocker(s) and ACE inhibitors and had valve surgery in Feb. 2002. At this time, it seems that his condition is getting worse, he has been diagnosed with cerebral atrophy ("significant frontal atrophy") which I believe is related to the heart disease and slightly enlarged liver. I know these are very unpredictable diseases, but could you please give me an idea of what his life expectancy is at this point? Also, how do people with this kind of disease(s) typically die? How likely is it that he dies suddenly? He does have an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker. Grateful for any input.
Lena