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CHF in Older Man

Hello,

My father is 85 yeras old and has recently diagnosed with CHF and was put on
Enalapril which made him horribly ill. They changed to Candesartan 4 mg and
now he is taking 1 1/2 and suddenly feels horrible. Could it be the wrong
dosage or could it be the wrong medicine? He has normal bloodpressure
and I know this is for high bloodpressure, so this is confusing. I tried to help
him with Hawthorn and Coenzym Q10, and it seemed good for a while then
got bad, so we didn't dare to keep him on this. Also, knows you can't take
Hawthorn and pharmaceuticals together. Please, I need help since the doctors
he has don't seem to do enough in his case. My father has a history as a very
healthy, sporty and non smoking, good weight man. Thank You so much for help.
3 Responses
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Coping with a new diagnosis and new medications is very challenging.  Your father is very luck to have you helping him.  Drugs like Enalapril and Candesartan, while often thought of as medications for treating high blood pressure, also have a proven role in the treatment of congestive heart failure. If your father is feeling unwell, and you think it is related to the medications, you should have him seen by his doctor.  Also, be sure to mention to his doctor any over-the-counter supplements that he may be taking. These can interact with his medicines and can create side-effects that are difficult to diagnose if your doctor doesn't know he's taking them.
Helpful - 1
63984 tn?1385437939
I'm an older male (72) with congestive heart failure.  The doctor MD27, from a patient's point of view, is on the money, new drugs sometimes knock the patient sideways for a period of time before the benefits of the drug start to help. Heart medications aren't like antibiotics, aspirin, etc., they take time to work.  I'm not a health professional, but know well from experience that your father will need a drug to control bp, reduce fluid buildup to keep him comfortable.  
I'm at the stage of my heart problems that I just want to be comfortable, I'm not looking for a cure.  The drugs I'm taking allow me to continue to hold a passive part time job and also a passive volunteer service work, so that makes me happy, I know I won't be cured.  Sometimes, looking for a cure can be very stressful when the real goal is to keep comfortable.  Just a thought.  Your father is very fortunate to have a caring family.  Keep us informed.    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

Thank you so very much for your reply. I appreciate your kindness in the
answer. (You seem to be someone who really cares) My father doesn't take any other medications. Only natural supplements that I send him for prostate and general vitamins. The only thing he is taking is a diuretic drug. I sent him Hawthornbefore, but it seemed like his pulse was getting too slow, so we stopped. It is not possible to mix Hawthorn with drugs, I understand? I have heard that my father's condition is treated in Germany very effectively with Hawthorn, but it is difficult to do it since his doctor only works with drugs. Is there any other drug that is doing the same as Candesatan and Enalapril with less side-effects? Thank you once again!
Helpful - 0

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