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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With 20% Heart Function?

My mother in law is 81yrs old with COPD & Emphysema. She was hospitalized for heart failure and fluid in both lungs. She was on a respirator for two days. After an EKG & chest X-ray, the Dr. informed us that she has only 20% heart function & the muscles of the heart are very damaged. She is alert and talking now. Can she live awhile with this, or must we prepare ourselves to lose her soon? Thank you for your time.
Fri, 2 Jun 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
With COPD, emphysema and heart​ functioning with 20%, the chances of recovery seems to be less.
However, all efforts needs to be done to treat the disorder and underlying cause by supportive treatment and hope she could recover. As long as vital functions are stabilized and functioning normally, there seems to be a chance for her recovery.
So do not lose hope. Give all the medical as well as moral support that she needs and hope for the best.
Best wishes.
Regards,
Dr.Ashakiran.S.,
MBBS., MD.
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What Is The Life Expectancy Of Someone With 20% Heart Function?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. With COPD, emphysema and heart​ functioning with 20%, the chances of recovery seems to be less. However, all efforts needs to be done to treat the disorder and underlying cause by supportive treatment and hope she could recover. As long as vital functions are stabilized and functioning normally, there seems to be a chance for her recovery. So do not lose hope. Give all the medical as well as moral support that she needs and hope for the best. Best wishes. Regards, Dr.Ashakiran.S., MBBS., MD.