Pls heeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp. Father's LVEF 25%

[kk_mix412]

My father's LVEF is very low, as per latest echo it is about 25%. and it shows as left ventricle is dilated.
He also suffers from lung congestion and shortening of breath during sleep with snoring problem.

I had often seen him waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air and needing to sit up.

I had attached some of his latest reports for your pursual. Kindly guide me what can be further
done in this regard, It is difficult for us to go for expensive treatments such as ICD implant etc.

Below are the links to reports

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8470874428/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8469780569/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8469780623/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8469780213/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8469780269/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8470873988/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60020329@N02/8469779593/in/photostream

[jrbon]

You do not mention it, but if should be some reason for his reduced EF (Heart attack perhaps). If you do not know, I suggest to ask in the next visit to the doctor.

Then I assume that for his apnea, he is using a cpap machine every night, This should prevent him to wake up for gasping. If not, then check with the pulmonary specialist Dr. He might need an increase in the pressure of the machine and perhaps apnea medication if he suffers central instead of obstructive apnea.

Then just try to follow my previous advise and be sure that in the medication there are diuretics included. I think he has some fluids in his lungs.

I suggest to weight him, naked, at the same time and circumstances, every day and be sure that does not increase weight 3 days in a row... this is symptom of accumulation of fluid.

If after a couple of week, his breathing has not improved, go back to doctor to see if he still has fluids in the lungs.

If he can, make him to walk an hour every day.

Jesus

[kk_mix412]

Thank you sir for your kind reply.

The age of my father is 48. he presently does not suffer from arrhythmia and his BP and sugar are normal and also no previous medical history of these.

Yes,he is overweight and also suffers from snoring and sleep apnea.

presently he is prescribed certain medicines from the cardiologist to keep him stable and he has not suggested us for any major treatment.

[jrbon]

There are some data that you do not indicates: Age, Reason for HF, other diseases and present treatment.

As per the ICD, if he does not suffer any arrhythmia, it is only a preventive measure for statistical reasons, it will not improve his quality of life. (I have a 17-20% EF and still reject the ICD).

The lung congestion should be solved with diuretics (either oral or IV) and for the gasping for air the possibility of suffering apnea should be investigated.

With this little info, I only can advise :
1) Stop salt intake
2) Reduce weight
3) Make 5-7 very small meals per day.

Jesus