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

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Installed Defibrillator After Heart Attack. How To Increase Quality Of Life?

My husband had a massive heart attack and we were told that he has 29% heart function, he had a defibrillator put in a month ago. We were told he needs a heart transplant. He has high blood pressure and is on a lot of medication for his heart. He cannot exercise because of shortness of breath, is there anything that he can do to increase his quality of life? What will his quality of life be? His doctors told him that more than likely he will not be a good candidate for a heart because he has to lose 30 pounds and until he does they will not even consider putting him on the list. What do I expect? Should I prepare to lose my husband?
Tue, 30 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic,

I have gone through available details, I am sorry to know that your husband suffered massive heart with heart failure EF is 29%. It is good that he has implanted defibrillator. 29% EF is not very bad.

Any heart disease is serious disease but we should not lose heart. Even if heart transplant is not done everything is not lost. Please have faith in god.
He must be given full and optimal medical therapy.

He should follow all the instruction given by treating doctor, I am sure he will respond to treatment and will have good quality of life.

We cannot predict the time but we should be always positive and hope for the best. He should take very healthy and low calories in diet.
Take care.

Good Luck.
Dr. Akhilesh Dubey M.D.
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful
General & Family Physician,  Dr. Athish Peter Margos R's  Response
Hello,
It is actually a positive thing that your Husband has been able to survive a massive heart attack with residual 29% of heart function.It is not really that bad.The cause of sudden death in patients of low cardiac function is arrythmias,but that has already been taken care of by implantation of defibrillator.Apart form this ,it is not mentioned if the vessel that was responsible for the heart attack has been revascularized.That is also important.After that strict diet and regular medication are required.There is still a chance that the function may improve with the drugs.There is no need for a transplant I feel unless he is very sick.And lastly,its still not time for you to prepare to be widow.Be with him and make him comfortable as long as he lives.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
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]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Heart failure


Loading Online Doctors....
Installed Defibrillator After Heart Attack. How To Increase Quality Of Life?

Hi, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic, I have gone through available details, I am sorry to know that your husband suffered massive heart with heart failure EF is 29%. It is good that he has implanted defibrillator. 29% EF is not very bad. Any heart disease is serious disease but we should not lose heart. Even if heart transplant is not done everything is not lost. Please have faith in god. He must be given full and optimal medical therapy. He should follow all the instruction given by treating doctor, I am sure he will respond to treatment and will have good quality of life. We cannot predict the time but we should be always positive and hope for the best. He should take very healthy and low calories in diet. Take care. Good Luck. Dr. Akhilesh Dubey M.D.