Re: Congestive heart failure

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on March 11, 1999 at 09:24:41:

In Reply to: Congestive heart failure posted by Linda Benninger on March 04, 1999 at 20:36:43:






Dear Dr.  
My father-in-law is 79 years old.  He has suffered from diabetes for
30+ years and he had a heart attack 22 years ago. About a year ago he was
also diagnosed with a low thryoid disorder. Then last night, he was taken
to hospital because of shortness of breath and swelling in his stomache
and ankles.  We were told today that he has congestive heart failure.
In recent years, as his health has begun to fail, my father-in-law has
suffered from dizzy spells which sometimes cause him to fall, lack of
appetite, and extreme coldness in his limbs. It is difficult to control
his blood sugar and which fluctuates from very high to very low.
Our concern is that we live in Georgia while my in-laws live in a remote
part of Western Pennsylvania. We would like them to live with us so that
we can look after them, but they, naturally, want to maintain their
independence.  My question is: with the diagnosis of this latest illness,
what is the prognosis for my father-in-law?  Will his condition worsen?
Can my mother-in-law continue to look after him? Should we force the
issue and insist they come to live with us?  My mother-in-law is also 79
and has high blood pressure.  We are worried that she cannot adequately
take care of both of them.
Thank you for your advice.
to look after him?





Dear Linda
For a man his age with multiple medical disorders, the diagnosis of congestive heart failure is serious. Sometimes, an underactive thyroid can contribute to the situation, so thyroid replacement medications may help him. There are several good medications for heart failure that should help his symptoms. However, he is likely to require several more hospitalizations as the congestive heart failure worsens (as it usually does). I think it is always better to have family near by, especially when one is old and sick. However, I think it would be difficult for you to force him to do something he does not want to do.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck.
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.