High Blood Pressure Enlarged Heart

[medking]

My father has suffered with High BP since 35 yrs old. When he was 22 a doctor in Canada told him his heart was enlarged. My father may have suffered a fever as a new born in the old country and had no meds of treating it. No one really knows exactly except for the High BP. He is only on some duiretics and high BP meds for this condition. (He has LV Hypertrophy and some PVC's) He has the energy of someone who is 18, very active and does not get tired at all. He does have swelling around his ankles, he claims he has had swelling in the ankles since 42 approx. His father died of CHF at 92 and his father died when he was 107 yrs old of natural causes. Ny dads mother died of a stroke at age 90 she had High BP. The questions: should he be on more meds and if so what? He has never had a heart attack and no one in his direct family has ever had one. My dad is now 62. I have checked myself out, I am 38 normal structural heart, good BP, some benign PVC's that my cardio is aware but says not to worry all else is normal. The cardio is Greece where he lives says that its not necessary to be on other meds as the risks are greater than the disease itself ie: PVC's but I am convinced he should be on some Beta Blocker to make his heart rest ? Don't know just very concerned. Oh my dad was an occassional smoker for 17 yrs but stopped about 10 yrs ago. What course of action might he consider? How long does someone live with CHF? He does not get out of breath? Thanks very much for insights and again thanks for your answers on my cholesteral management. Best Regards, Medking

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Medking,

Medking ... really?

"The questions: should he be on more meds and if so what?"

A: Whether or not he needs to be on more medicines depends on what his blood pressure is while on current therapy.  If his blood pressure is well-controlled, then his current regimen is probably fine.  If not, then an additional agent might be beneficial.

"...but I am convinced he should be on some Beta Blocker to make his heart rest ?

A: Not everyone who has PVCs needs beta-blockers.  I have PVCs and I don't take them, for example.

" What course of action might he consider?"

A: Regular follow-up for his blood pressure makes sense.

" How long does someone live with CHF? He does not get out of breath? "

A: Why do you think he has CHF? The swollen ankles?  Your description of his high activity level strongly argues against CHF.  Many people have swollen ankles and do not have CHF.  In fact, some of his BP meds could be causing the swollen ankles.

Enjoy your time with your Dad, and for God's sake, don't unduly frighten him.  Sounds like he is doing pretty well.

Good luck.