Is this possibly congestive heart failure?

[auswien1180]

Patient presenting is a 60 year old female with a persisting cough caused by fluid in the lungs.  The cough has persisted for a 4+weeks.  Dyspnea is also a symptom.  There is edema in both of the legs.   Red blotches have appeared on the legs and according to the patient, her legs and feet are burning terribly.  Nausea is also a large problem most of the time.  Sharp stabbing pains in the chest at times (a myocardial infarction is ruled out).  

Could this be a sign of congestive heart failure?  Could the liver be involved also?      

[auswien1180]

A septal defect was found, which would require open heart surgery, but the patient refused it.  Medication was administered which dealt with MOST of the symptoms.  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Diagnosis of congestive heart failure is clinical and it is important that a complete physical examination is done which may show fluid around the lungs or pleural effusion, irregular heartbeat, leg swelling or edema, distended neck veins, or swelling of the liver. While this can be obtained with direct examination of the patient, laboratory tests such as Chest x-ray,  ECG, Cardiac stress tests and even nuclear heart scans are essential.  Have the patient evaluated further by a cardiologist for proper diagnosis. Congestive heart failure is a chronic, progressive and serious disease that needs to be diagnosed early on. Take care and do keep us posted.

[gmachris518]

Sounds like the virus I contracted about 3 years ago.  My legs are still discolored from the profound swelling.  

Prior to virus I was fine.  Heart was in good condition, with no breathing problems, able to spend a 16 hours day hiking without becoming overly tired.

After 7 months of fighting the virus, with nausea, profound swelling, pain beginning at liver level and extending to the bottom of my feet, my heart began to beat irregular, and pain between my shoulders, and into my chest started.  After spending 3 days in ICU, they determined that my heart is now enlarged and very weak.  

Prior to the virus I had undergone a stress test and my heart was healthy, and arteries clear.  Now, my arteries are still clear, but my heart is dying, and the doctors simply scratch their heads and wonder.


However, in answer to your question.  Yes, I could be CHF, however, if this is so, this person needs to been seen by a doctor.   Even if it isn't, she needs to be seen as these symptoms are not normal.