mortality figures for CHF patients

[nkaggarwal]

I am disturbed by data on the net saying "80% of CHF patients below 65 will die within 8 years".
Is it statistically true. What can I do to increase my chances of survival, and quality of life.

I had an MI last year Dec 06,and got stents in three arteries. I have an EF of 40%. I continue to have
a low BP of  90/60 ever after the MI and pulse rate is 65-70 at rest.

I have diastolic and systolic HF. I get tired after walking about 40 minutes at a good pace.
I get tired on a gradient very fast. I eat very little fats, no meats, low salt and walk everyday about half an hour. I am 56 male. There has not been any significant change in the BP or pulse or EF
in the last ten months. I am taking my medicines regularly (statin lasix clopidogrel metoprolol
lisinopril aspirin epleronone). I have a little choking sensation from time to time.

I lead a happy retired life visiting places and meeting people.

Is it ok for me to carry a 15-20 pounds bag on a flight of stairs, at a railway station?
What can be the damage to heart if I have to do this once in three months. What can
I do to improve my exercising capability.

[Flycaster305]

It sounds to me that you are doing what Cardiologists would suggest to you.  If you are having trouble with a gradient, I'd be hammering my Cardiologist for another stress test.  I know nothing other than my own experiences, and that would be a tip-off to me that I may be getting another blockage.  Do you have trouble getting your breath when on a gradient?  
Best wishes.

[vienna13]

I don't want to spend any time from my life with worrying ...was told by a nurse in a hospital I have at least 15 years to live ,it was 4  years ago. I think she was unprofessional to say that, but I am not a person who would care about that much long, back then bothered me a little. I do my best, that’s all I can do, and in the meantime might as well just enjoy my life. I am 57. If I have 10 years more great, if 13 even better.:) After 70 every year is a bonus............

What can you do? Exercise more. Are you a vegetarian by choice or only don’t eat meat because of your heart? Do you fallow a healthy vegetarian diet? I think every single bite we eat is count, right eating is the key to longer life...and we must be sure not only think is right, but know for sure what is right and…. exercise....exercise...exercise....you can increase it slowly, my EF went from 20 to normal ....................but to be able to exercise you need to eat well…cant miss on any important nutrition………..

Good luck ,welcome in  the 20 % ……..