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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Shortness Of Breath, Swollen Feet And Lower Legs, Fatigue. Diagnosed As Left Side Heart Enlarged, Ventricular Contraction Delay, Lower BNP. Suggestions?

I recently sought medical attn due to shortness of breath and extremely swollen feet and lower legs. I had an EKC which indicated possible left side heart enlarged and right side ventricular conduction delay. I had a BNP of 524 and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I declined ER admission as I was on vacation 3,000 miles from home. Luckily, I made it home safely. My PCP re-ran the BNP on Thurs, and called with a score of 253. My feet and legs are still very swollen (was prescribed diuretics), I still have shortness of breath, but am also experiencing hand and finger numbness on my left side, and extreme fatigue. I am completely unable to keep my eyes open at times. I have an appt. with a cardiologist on Wed AM. Am I still in danger with these symptoms and a lower BNP level?


Tue, 7 May 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello.Your diagnose,very probably,is congestive heart failure.You have
symptoms(fatigue)signs(swollen feet and lower legs)and additional
test(enlarged heart in ecg,increased levels bnp)all the usual diagnose.Cardiologist,surely,will request too thorax radiography and heart ultrasound( is a very important test because you know the pathology that causes your heart failure and measure the capacity of your left ventricle pumping blood)to confirme the diagnose.After test,Cardiologyst,surely,will prescribe other additional drugs to improve your heart function and prevent fluid retention.
Lower bnp level indicates that these best,result of treatment with diuretics
but you must know that congestive heart failure is a cronic pathology
and you will need treatment and periodic medical reviews forever.
I wish you good health
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Shortness Of Breath, Swollen Feet And Lower Legs, Fatigue. Diagnosed As Left Side Heart Enlarged, Ventricular Contraction Delay, Lower BNP. Suggestions?

Hello.Your diagnose,very probably,is congestive heart failure.You have symptoms(fatigue)signs(swollen feet and lower legs)and additional test(enlarged heart in ecg,increased levels bnp)all the usual diagnose.Cardiologist,surely,will request too thorax radiography and heart ultrasound( is a very important test because you know the pathology that causes your heart failure and measure the capacity of your left ventricle pumping blood)to confirme the diagnose.After test,Cardiologyst,surely,will prescribe other additional drugs to improve your heart function and prevent fluid retention. Lower bnp level indicates that these best,result of treatment with diuretics but you must know that congestive heart failure is a cronic pathology and you will need treatment and periodic medical reviews forever. I wish you good health (In case the answer would have been useful please indicate this)