Congestive Heart Failure?

[nonames]

My grandfather has congestive heart failure. How long will it take to kill him? How long do most people live after being diagnosed with this?I'd rather not get pasted "answers" about how most heart problems don't have symptoms, what I can do to help slow heart failure, etc. I'm just asking about the average amount of time people live after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Thanks again.

[Lou R]

He can live a normal and fulfilling life if he follows a few basic rules-Restricts his fluid intake to no more than 1.5L fluid per day.Restricts salt intake.Checks his ankles and legs for swelling, and consults his Doctor at the first sign of any.Takes his medications, especially his diuretics (fluid tablets). Even if he's feeling 'better', he needs to keep taking them!Weighs himself daily at home.Elevates legs when sitting.CCF is not a death sentence. Just means he needs to make a few alterations to his lifestyle.

[A D]

Congestive Heart Failure is not the same thing as a heart attack. It means that the heart is not pumping good enough.Someone with CHF may get short of breath and tired. They may have swelling in their lungs or legs. The doctor will likely prescribe a number of medicines, a healthy diet (good foods like fruits and vegetables and whole grains; not the kind of things most Americans eat), and certain types of exercise.Unless your grandfather is particularly old or otherwise in poor health, I would not order the funeral flowers yet. Like other people have said, someone can live for years with CHF. When the heart gets bad enough, the person can possibly go on the list for a donor heart.That is one reason why we should all seriously consider being an organ donor.Best wishes to your grandfather.