My dad has small blood clots in his artery, and one side of his heart is swollen.Will he live long?

Question

He has a treatment. He was given blood thiners so it could thin his blood so the blood clots disappear. He saids that when he brushes his teeth or he walks 4 blocks he gets tired. He is 67 years old. Will he live long? He already had a mild heart attack 9 months ago. I have him in a healthy diet.

Answer 1

From the symptoms you describe, your Dad, probably has CHF ( Congestive Heart Failure). or HF as it is known today.


CAD (Coronary artery Disease- blocked arteries.) and HTN ( hypertension) are the two commonest causes of HF.aside from defective and diseased valves. Dietary restrictions, exercise, weight reduction in obese individuals, cessation of smoking, and treatment of risk factors like a high cholesterol level and diabetes ( control levels of blood sugar) are important cornerstones in the prevention of CAD. Use of medications to control blood pressure also goes a long way in preventing HF. Since heavy use of alcohol can contribute to the development of HF, such a tendency needs to be discouraged.

Prevention of further injury: Aggressive early treatment of a heart attack (MI- myocardial infarction-medical term) reduces the amount of damaged muscle and decreases the likelihood and severity of HF. As he has CAD ( blocked arteries); he needs to have his blood flow restored via bypass surgery or angioplasty if possible. Devices such as ICD implants and pacemaker might be considered.

The two commonest drugs used in HF are diuretics and digitalis. to relieve the cardiac congestion and improve the contractility of the heart. .Blood thinners such as Coumadin, and Aspirin are used to prevent further heart attacks. .Moreover, as in the case of your Dad with CAD (blocked arteries, this is used to reduce the risk of those blood clots from dislodging and causing strokes.

Diet rich in potassium such as bananas,peaches, beans, is recommended. Sodium (Salt) intake is certainly restricted. This further exacerbates the problem of peripheral edema (swelling of feet, ankles and legs). He should avoid a high fat and high cholesterol diet. to keep the levels of bad cholesterol down.



HTN compromises the workload of the heart, weakened and failing as it is. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to supply enough blood to meet the usual demands of the body. The problems are twofold. The first is caused by reduced forward flow of the pump (failing heart), and the second by congestion created by the "backing-up" of fluid and pressure..

When a person with heart failure exercises or performs a physical activity (walking to the mailbox, etc.), the weakened heart is unable to proportionately increase blood supply to the arms and legs. This results in fatigue during exertion. Reduced blood supply to the brain may cause dizziness.
Your Dad who can walk unassisted should do an exercise routine tailored to his needs, and avoid too much bed rest

With a healthy way of living and avoiding STRESS, your Dad's heart failure could be managed by diet and medications. This will prevent progression to severe heart failure and the resultant sudden cardiac death.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Well, they have to get him through this blood clot phase and figure out what's causing the clots. They will probably be doing more tests to get a prognosis. Only his cardiologist can give you an estimate as to expected life span. Talk to him and be sure to go with your dad to his appointments as he will appreciate the help and involvement.

Answer 5

he can live long as long as he does was is medically necessary for him they have surgeries available for him to unclog his arteries more if need be but very painful. he's just gonna have to take it easy!

Answer 6

it's hard for us to know. but since you are asking this type of question, let that be a sign that you should do your best to spend time with him and give him support with his health problems and try to be a good daughter.