My Husband Has Been Home From The Hospital For Two

Posted on Tue, 22 Jan 2019

Question: My husband has been home from the hospital for two days. He had pnemonia( Sp?)..He is 64 and has pretty bad COPD. Yesterday his feet started swelling and is not getting better over the last 24 hours. What could this be and is it dangerous? They sent him home with oxygen and antibodics.. He has naturally low blood pressure and his pulse is running about 45

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
He might be having right-sided heart failure.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.

By your history and description, the possibility of right-sided heart failure is more likely.
COPD patients are more prone to right-sided heart failure.

Pneumonia can worsen the underlying COPD.
Swelling over feet is the first symptom of right-sided heart failure.
So, better to take him to the hospital and get done 2D echocardiography.
He will need diuretics (water pills).
If not treated in time, it can be quite severe too.

Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.

Wishing your husband good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (34 minutes later)

What is the treatment for rightsided heart failure?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Diuretics is the treatment of choice.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Diuretics (frusemide or torsemide) is the treatment of choice for right sided heart failure.
These drugs increase urine output and hence reduce fluid overload of the body so edema can be relieved.
I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.

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