Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

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Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Submitted by Dr T on December 11, 2011 – 1:10pm

Question: 
Male 76, has CHF approx. 9 yrs.  On meds, still active. Overweight about 50 lbs.  Going to cardio clinic every 3 mths. and kidney checks the same. Cardio says all is well. No need to go back except now every 6 mths.  Says he is improving. Does this mean he is, or just they cannot do anymore for him?  It is a worry and I do not see how he can get better and not lose that weight. They are vague when you ask that question.

Hi Donna,
You are right of course. The real question is whether his heart failure is a permanent problem (CHF is often only temporary) and, if so, whether his present treatment is optimal. However, even if his medications have been optimized there are other things that can and should be done, especially diet, exercise and weight loss if possible (even sick people can exercise!).

You can read more here:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/poor-heart-function-and-congestive-heart-failure
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/my-dad-has-congestive-heart-failure

Hope this helps,

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