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What Causes Breathlessness And Swelling In Legs?
Hi Doctor, my mom has been witnessing breathlessness, and swelling in legs. Physician has reviewed xray of chest and informed that she may have enlarged heart. Doctor has suggested to consult a cardiologist. Mom has history of high blood pressure and taking medicine. Right now, the BP is under control. What pre-cautions should she stake prior to consulting a cardiologist?
Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Hello and thanks or writing.
Your mother's problem may be due to decresed cardiac function due to an enlarged heart the cause of which may be long standing hypertension. Various precautions have to be observed to avoid any fluid accumalation in your body due to weakened heart:
1. Limit the total fluid intake to around 1.5 litres.
2. Measure the total urine output in a day and it should approximately equal to the intake of fluids.
3. Limit the salt intake to less than 2300 mg per day.
4. Take 2-3 pillows under your upper back at night if she is having breathlessness on lying down.
5. Avoid physical exertion but do take regular exercises like walking as much as possible without getting breathless.
6. Avoid any stress or anxiety. Try yoga and other relaxation exercises to calm yourself.
7. Avoid any smoking or alcohol.
And of course, consult a cardiologist at the earliest to start long term management. Hope it helps.
Your mother's problem may be due to decresed cardiac function due to an enlarged heart the cause of which may be long standing hypertension. Various precautions have to be observed to avoid any fluid accumalation in your body due to weakened heart:
1. Limit the total fluid intake to around 1.5 litres.
2. Measure the total urine output in a day and it should approximately equal to the intake of fluids.
3. Limit the salt intake to less than 2300 mg per day.
4. Take 2-3 pillows under your upper back at night if she is having breathlessness on lying down.
5. Avoid physical exertion but do take regular exercises like walking as much as possible without getting breathless.
6. Avoid any stress or anxiety. Try yoga and other relaxation exercises to calm yourself.
7. Avoid any smoking or alcohol.
And of course, consult a cardiologist at the earliest to start long term management. Hope it helps.
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