Heart Disease and Heart Attack Forum - Last stage of Congestive Heart Failure?

Conditions and Diseases > Heart Disease and Heart Attack Forum > Last stage of Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition. But how does it differ from a heart attack? And what types of congestive heart failure do doctors diagnose?...

Q: Last stage of Congestive Heart Failure?

asked by: whattodonext on August 13th, 2008

New User

My father has cocngestive heart and is 82. The only treatment he is on is regular meds and oxygen. He denied surgery.

My question is what are the symptoms of the final stages? Is it painful and if so, what areas are effected? Should he be mobile? He says he cannot do anything because he is weak and in pain.

The doctor said that he just needs to take is laysic for the water and will not give him pain killers.

He is very depressed and I am trying to determine what is normal and what could be drama induced by depression. He does not want to be alone yet refuses a visiting nurse when is lady friend has to leave the home for appointments, etc.

TIA~

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola

replied on August 18th, 2008

Doctor

In the final stages of congestive heart failure fluids are colected in the legs, abdominal cage (ascites) and chest. Blood stagnation damages the liver. Legs become very swelled and the abdomen too. Blood stagnation in the chest causes hard breathing. In such condition, the patient finds very difficult to move.

Diuretic drugs (Lasix) and cardiotonic drugs (digoxin) are given to treat heart failure. ACE-inhibitors are also given. Most of the diuretic drugs cause potassium lose so potassium (K) suplements should be also given. If there are some additional disorders thery are also treated.

Depression is an additional disorder in most of the chronic disorders including congestive heart failure.

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