Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: rENAL KIDNEY failuare and cardiomyopathy

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Cardiomyopathy

Posted by BILL FLYNN on May 31, 1999 at 13:56:11

I have been in esrd failure since1994.Ido 5 peritoneal treatments a day.lately i have been retaining fluid in both legs.My doctor suggested that i take a number of vascalar exams.found blood clot in heart and pumping only 20% thus not emptingleft and right chambers.I aws but on coumadin and would like to try beta blocker,however have beathing problemThe heart doctor has ruled out surgery and would like me to do drug therapy.1...what is the life span with all this[I am 68]and2....what is your opinion of the therapy. If you need more info, I would be glad to send it

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 31, 1999 at 20:25:22

Dear Bill

As (hopefully) someone discussed with you, the lifespan for people on dialysis is shortened; add to his heart failure, and the long term prognosis is not good. However, no one can predict how long an individual may live.

If you have a blood clot in the heart, coumadin is reasonable. An ACE inhibitor may also help with the heart failure.

I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.

Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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