Q. There is swelling of arms and feet in a heart failure patient. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The problems you are facing is due to heart's failure to maintain the normal circulation. So the fluid gets stagnated in the interstitial tissue causing swollen feet, arms and fluid in lungs causing breathing problems. I hope you are already following the prescription of a cardiologist. I would like to know a few more information to help you better. May I know the medicines list you are on at present? And can you upload the reports?

Some important strategies are to be followed:

1. Improve the heart function ---to decrease load on heart by ACE inhibitors like Ramipril, ARB's like Telmisartan, diuretics like Lasix and beta blockers at optimized dose).

2. Fluid and salt restriction (salt maximum 3 grams /day and consume fluids 1.5 to 2 liter/day maximum).

3. Mild exercise training are also believed to improve exercise capacity and the quality of life in heart failure patients.

4. Diet and life-style modifications (smoking cessation, weight reduction, limit alcohol and avoid smoking, treat if lipid levels are high, control sugar levels, etc.).

With this limited information,I think,you might be needing an increased dose of a water pill loop diuretic (Lasix) to drain out the accumulating flluid regularly. I would advise you to discuss this with your treating doctor to alter therapy regimen, if necessary.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Narayanasamy Senduran

Experience: 12 + Yrs

General Practitioner

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