December 6th, 2009 
admin My mom just got diagnosed with a stiff heart. They said it was because of her high blood pressure.
She originally went into the hospital (twice) for complications after having her gallbladder removed (an outpatient surgery). She had swelling in her legs/feet and crackling in her lungs. They figured out it was from having a stiff heart.
1. What is the correct medical term for "stiff heart"?
We weren’t really told a lot of details, other than she was in congestive heart failure… sort of.
The instructions for managing this were: very low sodium diet, taking water pills to help her avoid retaining water/swelling again, limiting her liquid intake minor physical activity, continuing her blood pressure meds and reducing her stress.
2. Does anyone know if these preventative actions will be long term or if we just need to do them for a while until they get uner control?
My grandma keeps telling me that she could drop dead any second but she’s usually not right about things so I have no idea.
3. Does anyone know the life expectancy after being disgnosed with this?
Thanks all.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart isn’t able to pump blood normally. As a result, there is not enough blood flow to provide the body’s organs with oxygen and nutrients. The term "heart failure" does not mean that the heart stops beating completely, but that your mom’s
Heart is not working as efficiently. All treatment for CHF should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
CHF usually is managed with lifestyle adjustments and medications. If your mom’s has CHF, she may have to make some of the following lifestyle adjustments: cut back on fluids – weighing yourself daily is often necessary to help adjust fluid intake and medications, stay active, but avoid triggering CHF symptoms Lower sodium intake to 2.3 g daily or less. If possible, try for 1.5 g or less each day. Less sodium reduces fluid retention; wear special elastic stockings to reduce swelling in the legs caused by fluid retention, follow an appropriate weight-loss program if she is over weight.
Take care as always!
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I am going through this as we write , it is called C.H.F . The water pill lasix is the pill will get rid of water from the lungs .legs and feet watch her weight this is the life saver more weight she gains is more lasix she takes it is important to dis cuss this with your doctor . I have a H.F. nurse I am constantly , sometimes twice a week contact with. it is the rest of her life I cant give you life expect ancy I have been around now for eight years your grand ma is worried to . take the meds on time I hope this will help
References :
Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart isn’t able to pump blood normally. As a result, there is not enough blood flow to provide the body’s organs with oxygen and nutrients. The term "heart failure" does not mean that the heart stops beating completely, but that your mom’s
Heart is not working as efficiently. All treatment for CHF should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
CHF usually is managed with lifestyle adjustments and medications. If your mom’s has CHF, she may have to make some of the following lifestyle adjustments: cut back on fluids – weighing yourself daily is often necessary to help adjust fluid intake and medications, stay active, but avoid triggering CHF symptoms Lower sodium intake to 2.3 g daily or less. If possible, try for 1.5 g or less each day. Less sodium reduces fluid retention; wear special elastic stockings to reduce swelling in the legs caused by fluid retention, follow an appropriate weight-loss program if she is over weight.
Take care as always!
References :