Re: Congestive Heart Failure

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on October 25, 1998 at 10:02:33:

In Reply to: Re: Congestive Heart Failure posted by Suzanne on October 24, 1998 at 21:23:34:






: : Yesterday my husband went to the doctor for the results of a persantine-thalium
: : stress test and an echocardiogram test.  He has had by pass surgery in the past
: : but has been having trouble breathing.  The tests showed that his heart was
: : pumping at 18% and that was why he was tired all of the time.  He is on Diovan
: : Lanoxin, and Lasix for his heart.  He has been on insulin for the past 42 years
: : for diabetes.  The doctor said that his heart was week.  Is there anything that
: : could possibly be done for my husband's heart condition?  He also has congestive
: : heart failure. He is 59 years old.
: : Thank you in advance for any insight you may be able to give me in this matter.
Suzanne
What does that mean, "18%"?  Does that mean that his heart is working at an
: eighteen percent max, or does it mean that only 18% of his heart is working?

Dear Suzanne,
I am assuming the 18% refers to his heart's ejection fraction as determined by echo. Normal is about 65%. His heart is therefore pumping out about one third the normal volume of blood with each heart beat.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

Dear Suzanne,
We can provide accommodations right here on the campus of the Cleveland Clinic. There is a very nice hotel connected to the hospital and a more moderately priced guesthouse across the street.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.