Sunday, May 20, 2012
A poor heart function and congestive heart failure
Submitted by Dr T on May 17, 2011 - 7:54am
Question:
My husband is 62 and has Congestive Heart Failure. He recently had an echocardiogram which showed his heart at 25%. We were told that this was serious and that he should see his cardiologist ASAP. We have an appointment tomorrow, but I would like to know what is normal procedure as far as tests etc. for a person who was at 35% 6 years ago. Should they have done other echo's, or tests periodically? He has not had an echo or seen a cardiologist in 5 years. He has been seen and treated by his primary physician only. What can be done at this point?
At 25%, your husband's heart works at 1/3 of its capacity (normal is about 70%). Often this is the result of previous heart attacks and coronary artery disease or heart valve problems (unlikely from what you have written):
http://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/heart-failure
http://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/coronary-artery-disease
http://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/heart-attack
http://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/valve-disease
As you can read there is lots that can and should be done.
Hope this helps,
Dr T
http://www.cardiachealth.org/
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