Progresion of disease

[Linda-Engelking]

  My Mom has CHF and is now starting to turn dark blue on hands and face when
  she does just about anything. She is 78 and in poor health. Does this mean
   the end is near. She has already gone 6 months past her doctors time of demize.
  I am just wondering if there is anything i can do to ease any problems she may have.
  Thank you .

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Linda,
Topic Area: Heart Failure
Thank you for your question.  Heart failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF) is a syndrome of low heart output, shortness of breath and swelling in the extremities.  The most common cause of heart failure is ischemic (secondary to blockages in the arteries).  Other common causes are hypertensive (high blood pressure), viral, valvular and idiopathic.  The diagnosis of CHF is made by symptoms and testing of the heart.  An echocardiogram or heart catheterization is usually done to measure the function of the pumping chamber.  Other investigations may be performed depending upon the cause of the CHF.
Treatment of heart failure can be medical or surgical.  If failure is due to blockages or valve problems then surgery is often recommended.  Medical management includes digoxin, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and diuretics.  Newer evidence has shown that low dose beta-blockers improve symptoms and survival in patients with CHF.  End stage CHF is treated with heart transplantation if the patient is a candidate.  
CHF is a common problem and there are new treatments being developed.  It is a chronic problem and must be followed closely by her doctor with adjustment of her medication as needed.  If she is turning blue here medications may need to be adjusted.  Ultimately she will reach a point where nothing further can be done but she may not be to that point yet.  
Further information can be found at:
http://www.healthanswers.com/health_answers/search_get_answer/forums/circulatory/frame1.htm
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.