What is Heart Failure and how do they find it?

[jennifer]

The doctor is thinking that my mom might have heart failure.  What is it and what kind of tests are run to find it?  What is cornary heart disease?  And once again what kinds of test is run?  Thanks but my mom is young about 40 and I am worried about her.  Thanks again.

[Sandi]

you wrote:

>>We are really concerned about her shortness of breath. Are we going in the right direction by slowing her heart rate with the digoxin?
Can the new drug OMIPATRILAT help in such cases?

reply: i dont know aboutt he new drug...but the digoxin will not only slow her heart, but stregthen her heart as well..yes it is a good move.

[Nelda]

I believe that my father has CHF, but he refuses to go see a doctor.  His symptoms include a severe cough, swelling in the legs and ankles, dizziness, and occasional lack of urinary control,etc.  He is 72 years old and has been taking Tenormin for probably 30+ years for a rapid heart beat. I'm afraid that he has put off treatment for too long now.  Any suggestions as to how to get him to see a doctor?  He thinks all doctors are con artists!!

[George Vincent]

My wife had an MI 3 years ago. No one toled us she must really control her liquid intake. She has now developed CHF. Maybe at stage 3 or 4 because she cannot walk more than 5 feet without real rapid breathing or shortness of breath. She recently had an echocariogram which we are told was not informative, She subsequently had a nuclear medecine studies(MUGA) test which indicated her ejection fraction was 35+. We understand that this is low but we have heard of patients with a much lower ejection fraction who do not have shortness of breath. She takes medication for arithmia also diuretics (lasix) to keep fluid out of her lungs. They appear clear by stehascope and X-ray. She has been started on the mildest dose of digitalis glycosides but this has not improved her breathing. She is diabetic but her blood sugar level is normal and has been for weeks. Her blood pressure is 110/60.
We are really concerned about her shortness of breath. Are we going in the right direction by slowing her heart rate with the digoxin?
Can the new drug OMIPATRILAT help in such cases?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Coronary heart disease can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, jaw pain, arm pain, stomach pain, among many other possibilities. It can also cause no symptoms at all.

[chris]

What are the symptoms of Coronary heart
disease?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

If she has symptoms such as you describe, as well as an abnormal EKG, further evaluation of her condition is necessary.

[Alex]

My mom was told after an EKG that her heart is not receiving enough oxygen - yet the Dr. is not concerned because her previous EKG last year showed the same.  Should she be concerned? She has been very tired, has a persistant cough and has been short of breath with occasional chest pain.  I don't think the Dr. is right.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Heart failure refers to a weakening of the heart muscle. It can be diagnosed with a cardiac ultrasound. Coronary heart disease refers to inadequate blood supply to the heart itself. It can be diagnosed with a stress test or a cardiac catheterization.