canadianmom
06-07-2006, 11:14 AM
Hi everyone! My 85 year old Mom had an episode of AF approx 8 years ago. After being put on digoxin and coumadin (SP?) things settled down until a couple of months ago when she ended up back in hospital. Digoxin dose was increased...took a few days but eventually was released. She is home now but just doesn't seem to be getting better. Very fatigued, dizzy spells and at times ankle swelling. Dr yesterday told her that her heart "wasn't good" and added another heart med. Sorry not sure what it is yet. Her heart rate is still fast and irregular. Guess what I'm wanting to know is her heart failing? At her age will she be able to continue with this much longer? Any thoughts (good or bad) would be very helpful. Just really wanting to know what we should be doing or expecting. Thanks
Sponsor
started04
06-07-2006, 12:51 PM
Hi,
If A-fib has been under control that may have delayed or prevented heart failure. I was diagnosed with hf two years ago, and that condition increases heart size and causes fluids to back up into the lungs and extremities. An increase in heart size and wall theckening will hinder an adequate supply of blood pumped into circulation. And the heart may be pumping hard against clogged vessels. The result is fatique, fast heart rate, etc.
Standard medication for hf is an ACE inhibitor to dilate vessels (less resistance for the heart to pump against), beta blocker to slow heart rate, diuretic to reduce fluid, and meds to increase pumping strength.
There may be a stage where your mother may require oxygen supplementation. Longevity depends on many factors i.e. age, general health, care, diet, lifestyle, and mental attitude. The final stage is being bedridden with oxygen with not enough strength to move, fed with an IV, then coma. Or there may be a heart attack that is very quick. Sorry for what you may have to go through!
If A-fib has been under control that may have delayed or prevented heart failure. I was diagnosed with hf two years ago, and that condition increases heart size and causes fluids to back up into the lungs and extremities. An increase in heart size and wall theckening will hinder an adequate supply of blood pumped into circulation. And the heart may be pumping hard against clogged vessels. The result is fatique, fast heart rate, etc.
Standard medication for hf is an ACE inhibitor to dilate vessels (less resistance for the heart to pump against), beta blocker to slow heart rate, diuretic to reduce fluid, and meds to increase pumping strength.
There may be a stage where your mother may require oxygen supplementation. Longevity depends on many factors i.e. age, general health, care, diet, lifestyle, and mental attitude. The final stage is being bedridden with oxygen with not enough strength to move, fed with an IV, then coma. Or there may be a heart attack that is very quick. Sorry for what you may have to go through!