Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Ankle Swelling, Loss Of Appetite, Dementia. Symptoms Of Heart Failure?
I am very concerned about My 89 year old Mother whose ankles and stomach are very swollen. She drinks next to nothing, despite it being suggested to her that she should drink more, added to which her appetite is very poor. She does appear breathless at times, but that is not too apparent as she does very little. The biggest issue is that she has dementia and is in denial that there is a problem. She is cared for by her husband. Would you be able to confirm that she may be in Heart Failure .
Mon, 3 Sep 2012
Hello and welcome to HCM
Their is strong possibility of heart failure in the patients have peripheral edema (ankles swelling) associated with shortness of breath. But with heart failure we will not forget Renal Failure these symptoms along with stomach distension (swelling) are more common in this condition.
Consult your doctor and get your Echocardiography done to rule out Heart Failure and Renal Function test and S. Potassium level to rule out Renal Failure. I also advise you to go for USG abdomen.
Hope I have helped you.
Best Wishes
Their is strong possibility of heart failure in the patients have peripheral edema (ankles swelling) associated with shortness of breath. But with heart failure we will not forget Renal Failure these symptoms along with stomach distension (swelling) are more common in this condition.
Consult your doctor and get your Echocardiography done to rule out Heart Failure and Renal Function test and S. Potassium level to rule out Renal Failure. I also advise you to go for USG abdomen.
Hope I have helped you.
Best Wishes
I find this answer helpful
Dear friend, welcome to HCM !
At 89 years age and with dementia, swelling over the belly and lower limbs and breathlessness could be
due to heaert failure, renal (kidney) failure, Low proteins, sometimes liver cell failure (usually with jaundice), low grade infections etc..
Does she have fever, vomitting, swelling over the face , more in the morning?
Are there any infected bed sores / wounds etc?
She will ahve to undergo physical examination, tests like CBC, routine labs , EKG, Xray chest, urine routine, 2D echo etc. to pinpoint the cause.
Only on above testing can we conclude about heart failure.
Take care and please keep me informed of your progress.
Good Luck !
I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily.
May I request for your rating and review of this answer before you accept the answer and close the query (if there are no more follow up questions)?
Thank you !
At 89 years age and with dementia, swelling over the belly and lower limbs and breathlessness could be
due to heaert failure, renal (kidney) failure, Low proteins, sometimes liver cell failure (usually with jaundice), low grade infections etc..
Does she have fever, vomitting, swelling over the face , more in the morning?
Are there any infected bed sores / wounds etc?
She will ahve to undergo physical examination, tests like CBC, routine labs , EKG, Xray chest, urine routine, 2D echo etc. to pinpoint the cause.
Only on above testing can we conclude about heart failure.
Take care and please keep me informed of your progress.
Good Luck !
I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily.
May I request for your rating and review of this answer before you accept the answer and close the query (if there are no more follow up questions)?
Thank you !
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Bed sore
Loading Online Doctors....