Enlarged Heart and CHF

[shraine]

My 68 year old grandmother has highblood pressure and was recently diagnosed with having Congestive heart failure (CHF) AND an enlarged heart. She did not ask any questions regarding her condition, nor did she ask for the statistics. What I am wanting to find out is what the longivity stastistics for someone having BOTH heart problems, coppled with hypertension. I realize that stastistics vary and are not an overall view, I just want to know what exactly we are looking at rather it is 1 day or 10 years. Granted I also know there are not set "time frames" in cases like this..all I want is a general concensus. I have already gotten the definitions of each problem and we (the family) are planning on speaking with her cardiologist in person.
Thank you for your help in advance.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear shraine,
For individuals with congestive heart failure survival can be directly predicted based on the ejection fraction (EF) which is a measure of the pumping muscle of the heart.  Mild CHF has slightly increased mortality while severe CHF (EF<10%) can have mortality rates as high as 80% in 5 years.  The enlarged heart is  due to the CHF and does not have an additional risk associated after EF is accounted for.  Hypertension contributes to CHF and can also lead to stroke and is an additive factor.  However, you are correct that these sort of things are difficult to predict for individuals.  Your grandmother is certainly at increased risk  but with good medication and lifestyle she could be in the survivor group at 5 years time.

[DonnaM]

My mom is 42 years old and has CHF and an enlarged heart due to high blood pressure.  She tells me that she can still live a long and healthy life as long as she takes her med. and eats a good diet.  I'm worried she may be telling me that just so I won't worry.  I really would like to her the facts.  If anyone can  relate to this please, I would like to hear your coments.

[Buzz]

CHF is downhill stuff.  However one can do alot to make the years longer.  My mom had 7 heart attacks, and was given max 5 years.  However here she is at 4 1/2 later and we bet we have at least 5 or 10 more.  
My mom has changed her life.  Give up over half of her salt intake and now rides her bike 12 miles a day.  She even paints and washes windows.  Changing ones life is the main factor.  Matter of fact my mom is so healthy now, she out walks me and I;m  44.  Frame of mind helps, get new hobbies, get out and do stuff.
My mom's doctors are very very please and suprised.  

So eat that raw garlic and exerice, exerice, and exerice.  Just think what got you to this point in your life.  You are what you eat.   (Ins't that what you heard growning up)....

Good Luck Everyone,
Buzz

btw, now if only I could do what I have learned, Cause I seem to be heading down that road also.

[flyboy]

i am 23 yrold. I have been told on several occasions that i have an enlarged heart. I do not have high colestoral or high blood preasure. My family has a history of angina, and heart trouble. What should i do??

[I miss John]

My X John died on June 12th, 2001 due to enlarged heart.  He turned 30th on 1/17!  He never knew he had this problem.  He just died in his sleep due to cardiac arrest.  Be thankful you know of this condition and do everything to keep your self healthy for yourself and the sake of your loved ones!   Be Safe!  Stay Healthy

[I miss John]

John's Heart was 2 times as large as a normal heart.  He was healthy, young and in good shape!   He eat well and lived a good life!  Too short, but good!

[ajsully]

I'm 32 years old, I have had an enlarged heart, due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy since age 16.  I have had CHF for the last five years.  I had a defibrillator implanted this year.  I'm not near as active as I was a year ago, but I'm still kicking strong!! My mother is 60 and very active and has an enlarged heart.  Everyone seems to progress at a different rate, the best medication that I have found for these conditions is nothing but attitude, it's 99% of winning the race and living life to it's fullest!!!!!
AJ

[kathydixie]

A related discussion, What is the life span of an 82 yo male with chf was started.