
My Mother Is 73 Years Old And An Arthiritis Patient.

Question: My mother is 73 years old and an arthiritis patient. So severe that she is almost bedridden. For last few days i noticed slight shortness of breath when she lying down on bed. Otherwise no problem. While sitting she is fine. Apart from this she takes bp medicines and is under control. Today i get some blood test done to evaluate her heart. Following are the values.
Hb 9.4
NT proBNP. 915
Kindly advice me what to do
Hb 9.4
NT proBNP. 915
Kindly advice me what to do
Brief Answer:
Need further evaluation...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Her symptoms as well as higher NT proBNP value suggest that the heart isn't pumping to its ability. However the test isn't definite and an echocardiogram is recommend. It will allow us to assess the definite functioning capacity of the heart besides identifying for structural as well as vascular defects if any.
She also has a low hemoglobin which may or may not be contributing to her symptoms. But it needs to be corrected with appropriate iron supplements.
In a nutshell, she needs further probing. I recommend a visit to a cardiologist.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Need further evaluation...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Her symptoms as well as higher NT proBNP value suggest that the heart isn't pumping to its ability. However the test isn't definite and an echocardiogram is recommend. It will allow us to assess the definite functioning capacity of the heart besides identifying for structural as well as vascular defects if any.
She also has a low hemoglobin which may or may not be contributing to her symptoms. But it needs to be corrected with appropriate iron supplements.
In a nutshell, she needs further probing. I recommend a visit to a cardiologist.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad


How much high Nt probnp is as per her age ? Can u tel me what further testings needed apart from echocardiogram

I also uploaded 2d echo report which is one year old. Please have a look
Brief Answer:
Normal value depend on number of factors...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The cut-off limits of NT probnp depend on a few factors. Assuming you don't have any preexisting renal disease and high blood pressure at this age, value upto 210 pg/ml is considered normal. Values upto 300 comes with lowest incidence of heart failure. You can check with the laboratory if they used a different measurement units and about the cut off limits.
Last years echocardiogram is normal. Heart pumping function was adequate. However this report is a year old and doesn't reflect the current situation. You can discuss with your cardiologist and the need to repeat echocardiogram.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Normal value depend on number of factors...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The cut-off limits of NT probnp depend on a few factors. Assuming you don't have any preexisting renal disease and high blood pressure at this age, value upto 210 pg/ml is considered normal. Values upto 300 comes with lowest incidence of heart failure. You can check with the laboratory if they used a different measurement units and about the cut off limits.
Last years echocardiogram is normal. Heart pumping function was adequate. However this report is a year old and doesn't reflect the current situation. You can discuss with your cardiologist and the need to repeat echocardiogram.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

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