Best Friend Denies Heart Problem...?!
Question: Best Friend Denies Heart Problem!.!.!.!?
My best friend (age 52) had a heart attack 2 years ago!. After that time, he quit smoking, but refused to follow any of the other medical advice given to him!.
In the past year, he has gained about 100 lbs, he has pitting edema in his arms and legs, abdominal distention, shortness of breath, crackles and wheezes when laying down, suffers from long periods of sleep apnea, has clubbing of his fingernails, pale skin, he sweats profusely after little exertion, he can only walk 100 feet before having to take a rest, and his resting pulse averages about 100 beats per minute!. He is on blood pressure medicine, though his pressure is all over the place even with the meds!.
Due to his prior heart attack, he has a stress test every year, and he just had one in July which said everything was okay!.
But, being a nursing student, I see the signs of impending doom, I don't know why the stress test would be inaccurate, but why would a doctor dismiss all the signs and symptoms because one test was okay!? I have insisted to my friend to go for a second opinion, but he trusts his doctor and flat out refuses to believe that anything is wrong!.
So, am I correct that this is right sided heart failure!? How long can these symptoms go on before he has major damage!? What exactly will happen if he doesn't get treatment (besides the obvious answer of death)!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
In the past year, he has gained about 100 lbs, he has pitting edema in his arms and legs, abdominal distention, shortness of breath, crackles and wheezes when laying down, suffers from long periods of sleep apnea, has clubbing of his fingernails, pale skin, he sweats profusely after little exertion, he can only walk 100 feet before having to take a rest, and his resting pulse averages about 100 beats per minute!. He is on blood pressure medicine, though his pressure is all over the place even with the meds!.
Due to his prior heart attack, he has a stress test every year, and he just had one in July which said everything was okay!.
But, being a nursing student, I see the signs of impending doom, I don't know why the stress test would be inaccurate, but why would a doctor dismiss all the signs and symptoms because one test was okay!? I have insisted to my friend to go for a second opinion, but he trusts his doctor and flat out refuses to believe that anything is wrong!.
So, am I correct that this is right sided heart failure!? How long can these symptoms go on before he has major damage!? What exactly will happen if he doesn't get treatment (besides the obvious answer of death)!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
It sounds too as if he might be diabetic as he seems to have, at least, prediabetic health signs!. Needless to say that your friend is foolish but as we all are our own executioners then allow him to follow his own chosen path to the gallows!. He probably appreciates your friendship but not your advice; to him you are only the 'carpenter's son'!Www@Answer-Health@Com