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Can Cardiac Function Deteriorate In Two Years In An Elderly Patient?

Posted on Thu, 10 Aug 2023

Question: I am very confused about the rapidity of the onset of congestive heart failure. My 91 year old father is being treated without surgery for extreme weakness related to CHF. However, his physicians say that his heart was quite normal for his age when examined less then two years ago. Is it actually possible for there to be such a rapid onset of this condition to this extent? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Varinder (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Yes

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Yes, there may be deterioration in cardiac function in a short span of 2 years.

Usually, patients have a cardiac function at borderline and some condition as high bp or infection or physical or mental stress causes acute aggravation of cardiac function.

A person may be symptom-free now and develop cardiac symptoms within the next 2 days.

So it is possible. Now can you provide me reports of your dear father then I can better comment?

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Varinder Joshi , General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Varinder (14 minutes later)

Thank you. Unfortunately I don't have the records, he is in the hospital trying to improve his weakness. He has had pneumonia in the past but never had high BP. He was working well with an exercise trainer, and often felt tired. Bur the doctors never found congestive heart failure. It seems kind of mysterious....

Answered by Dr. Varinder (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

ok

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Then it may be due to age-related changes. As he is admitted in hospital he must be put on oxygen and he must be recovering.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Varinder Joshi, General & Family Physician

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj