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Is Hospitalization Necessary To Remove Fluid From The Legs Post Cardiac Surgery?
My husband has leg swelling from heart failure, a triple by-pass years ago, and takes Lasix. He is 91. Currently, the Lasix doesn t seem to be controlling the significant swelling in his feet and legs so they re increasing it slowly before seeing him and having labs again. Would flying be a concern before getting this under control? Is it sometimes necessary to be hospitalized to remove the fluid? Thank you!
Wed, 29 May 2019
Hi,
Yes...at times it is necessary for the cardiac patient to get hospitalised.
Fluid in lower extremities point towards a weak heart, not pumping properly. At the start, Lasix and other diuretics are helpful to reduce the fluid load on the heart, thus improving contractility. But your husband has crossed even that stage and diuretics are not that efficient and leg swell is increasing.
It is unsafe for him to fly at this point of time. He needs hospital, loading dose of injectable electrolytes, oxygen, specific heart failure drugs and cardiologist supervision.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
Yes...at times it is necessary for the cardiac patient to get hospitalised.
Fluid in lower extremities point towards a weak heart, not pumping properly. At the start, Lasix and other diuretics are helpful to reduce the fluid load on the heart, thus improving contractility. But your husband has crossed even that stage and diuretics are not that efficient and leg swell is increasing.
It is unsafe for him to fly at this point of time. He needs hospital, loading dose of injectable electrolytes, oxygen, specific heart failure drugs and cardiologist supervision.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
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