Heart Function 30%

[Jeannean]

Hi
My Dad is 88 years old and has had a very active life. Until just recently he was still climbing ladders and working in the garden and most people cant believe his age. We took him for a check up to the cardiologist he has been seeing as he seemed to be a bit out of breath and have since found out his heart function is 30%. When tested 3 years ago it was 43%. The dr has changed his medication, put him on a meta blocker and lasix and said to give the medication 3 months and will see the dr in 3 months time. Since my Dad has been taking the new medication he is worse ( more out of breath) Help me please... I dont know what to do? Do I suggest he gets an angiogram now and not in 3 months time  when the angiogram will depend on the results of the new medication. I have 2 brothers living on different sides of the world and a sister who is frantic. My mother is also not very well.  The dr told us that my Dad doesnt have heart failure and is stronger than most his age... but after my family have investigated they are sure it is heart failure. My Dad also sounds a little chesty. I am beside myself as my parents live with me. What should I do ???
Please rep;y as soon as possible.
Thank you

[Jeannean]

Thank you.  The dr seems to think my Dad had a heart attck a few years back and the weakening of the heart is the result. He is taking to kinds of tablet , Duride in the morning 1 whole tablet, avapro,lipitor 20mg, lasixs and 5mg of the beta blocker. He used to take 1/2 a noten tablet before the beta blocker. He has said that he thinks he has a bladder infection and doesnt want to drink fluids after 7pm at night so he wont need to get up during the night. Is this a bad sign?? Thank you so much for your help
regards
Jeannean  

[Dr J Singh]

Hi,

The 30% ejection fraction is definitely less than desired. The beta blockers which your physician has prescribed for your dad may cause worsening in some patients. I will suggest decreasing the dose of the beta blockers and may be add digoxin to improve the cardiac output. Angiography may help if there’s a suspicion of the coronary artery disease. Another point is that if there isn’t marked collection of fluid in the body due to the heart failure, then lasix can also cause worsening of the symptoms. Maybe he needs another evaluation to decide about his drug dosage.

I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted. Kind Regards.