HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Prognosis For Cardiomegaly And Esophageal Varices While Having A History Of Chronic COPD, Rapid Heart Rate And Swollen Legs?

default
Posted on Tue, 11 Sep 2018
Question: My father is 57 years old having breathlessness at night requiring 3 pillows to breathe comfortably. He suffers from COPD for 11 years probably from smoking heavily. The bp is normal but he has rapid heart rate and prominent neck veins, a bluish complexion and swelling in his legs and feet. His liver tests are elevated (AST, ALP and BUN) and his chest x-ray shows "cardiomegaly" and esophageal varices. What does this mean.
what kind of doctor should we visit/consult? Cardiologist or internist?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Suggests cardiac failure

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns.

All the features you mentioned are in favor of heart failure. It might have resulted from lung damage due to smoking and COPD. So it may be a secondary event.

He needs urgent evaluation and treatment under a cardiologist. The cardiologist may also like to get him reviewed by a pulmonologist.

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

Regards
Dr. Indranil Ghosh,
Oncologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (8 hours later)
Thank you. How do you suggest we manage this condition? And what diagnostic tests do you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Medicines to improve the cardiac function

Detailed Answer:
We usually do ECG, echocardiogram, chest x-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Then management involves medicines to increase the urine output, increase the pumping function of the heart and the reduction of high blood pressure. With these measures, symptomatic improvement is expected.

His cardiologist will be able to suggest the exact line of treatment after reviewing him.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards
Dr. Indranil Ghosh,
Oncologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (4 days later)
Thanks Dr. Ghosh!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards
Dr. Indranil Ghosh,
Oncologist
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Oncologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Is The Prognosis For Cardiomegaly And Esophageal Varices While Having A History Of Chronic COPD, Rapid Heart Rate And Swollen Legs?

Brief Answer: Suggests cardiac failure Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns. All the features you mentioned are in favor of heart failure. It might have resulted from lung damage due to smoking and COPD. So it may be a secondary event. He needs urgent evaluation and treatment under a cardiologist. The cardiologist may also like to get him reviewed by a pulmonologist. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards Dr. Indranil Ghosh, Oncologist