weak heart and loss appetite

[krisbim]

My 93 yr. old grandfather admitted to ER w/ H.R. of 150. Prior to this visit, took no prescription meds. After a six day stay @ hosp. he is now home. The drug that saved his life was amiodarone. Other meds being given in the ER were causing his BP to plummet. His meds now are 100 mg amiodarone daily, 2.5 mg of lisinipril daily, 20 mg. lasixs 3 times a week, 2 mg. coumadin daily. Dijoxin was also being given, however the cardiologist treating him told me to discontinue. My problem is this: Over the last couple of days, my grandfather seems to be worsening. He has NO appetite and isnt eating much. I see him 3 times a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. His appetite is minimal, however he is 93, with a weak heart. Ejection Fraction is 10 to 15%  Given his activity level is very low, I cant expect him to want to eat very much, right? Also, he is extremely tired and wants to sleep all the time, very unlike his regular self. I guess my question is this : I this normal (lethargy and lack of appetite) given his weak heart? or could the meds be the cause. I have not given him amiodarone in 4 days because the cardio. says I could skip if the pulse is low, which it is. Pulse is anywhere between 48 and 56. To me this is much too low for a 93 year old! HELP! I want to help my grandfather. Thank you for your time.

[momto3girls]

Hi there,

I'm not sure how much advice you'll be able to get from the heart support forum.  You should really talk to his cardiologist and let him know your grandfather's symptoms.  You could also try to post a question on the heart forum (doctor to patient advice) and get another opinion.  I'm so sorry he's feeling poorly and it's obvious you love him and are worried.  I sure hope he feels better, poor guy.  Best wishes to you both (:

momto3girls

[sb786]

I'm not sure that a pulse of 48-56 is low. I am 27 years old and i often have a resting pulse of 50-60 bpm if i am being very lazy it is even lower than this and my cardio and docs say its fine. I have even been told that i am ok to take beta blockers even though my pulse can get so low

[anacyde]

His pulse doesn't sound frighteningly low or anything.  The fatigue and appetite loss are pretty standard with heart failure.  He's on an excellent medication regimen though, so try to take heart in that.