Congestive Heart Failure - Heart Disorders Message Board

msrosie · 12-23-2003, 04:45 PM

I was just diagnosed with this today and was wondering if anyone knows what the prognosis is for a 40 year old diabetic? Do I have a chance of living to see old age? I'm pretty scared.

Rosie

lupines · 12-23-2003, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msrosie

I was just diagnosed with this today and was wondering if anyone knows what the prognosis is for a 40 year old diabetic? Do I have a chance of living to see old age? I'm pretty scared.

Rosie

Are you being medicated? Ccb's and a diuretic? Also potassium, its very important. My Husband was dx w/ chf 4 yrs ago..we watch his meds /weight/salt intake and breathing /. If you are on diuretics be sure you take potassium, it can threaten your life if not. My husband nearly died 2 yrs ago due to lack of potassium. But w/ care you may live a very long time. At least this is what we were told. Hope this helps,Lupines

Buzz · 12-23-2003, 06:21 PM

What is the cause of the chf i have dialated cardiomyopathy

lupines · 12-23-2003, 06:31 PM

Sleep apnea is one cause, some diet drugs, phen-fen and redux..Im not sure of your cause,dialated cardiomyopathy, cardiomyopathy is stiffened heart, ..did they mention any valves?

Machaon · 12-23-2003, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msrosie

I was just diagnosed with this today and was wondering if anyone knows what the prognosis is for a 40 year old diabetic? Do I have a chance of living to see old age? I'm pretty scared.

Rosie

Do you know your ejection fraction (EF)? Do you know your average blood pressure reading? Is your heart rhythm under control? Does your heart beat nice and calmly and evenly? Do you also have coronary artery disease (CAD) with the CHF? Do you also have atrial fibrillation with the CHF?

There are several stages of CHF. CHF refers to a heart that is weakened and enlarged. How you will do going forward depends upon how advanced your CHF is. If you have mild to moderate CHF then your prognosis is good for the future, depending upon being on the correct medications, getting the correct amount of exercise, having a heart friendly environment, and having the right diet. Even with advance CHF, like I have, the prognosis is good, but it is a full time job staying ahead of the disease.

I've had advanced CHF for over 15 years, and am still hanging in here.