Sherrill Murphy, M.D., cardiologist associated with the Alegent Health Heart and Vascular Institute, Women's Heart Center
Find out more about Dr. Murphy
Q: I am a 44 year old female that has been obese all my life. My parents smoked a lot around me and I always had either Pneumonia or Bronchitis growing up. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea (I now use a C-Pap unit) and Congestive Heart Failure at age 38. I wonder if my heart can rejuvenate if I lost weight and took on a healthy lifestyle?? A nurse told me that most morbidly obese people only live to about 50 years old anyway and this made me doubt whether it is worth trying anymore. It is also hard to excerise with the CHF as I get very out of breath, any suggestions?
A: With proper diet, medication and weight loss you certainly might achieve improvement in heart function. Seeing your physician, a dietician and a fitness trainer may be of benefit too.
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The Alegent Health Heart & Vascular Institute has created the Alegent Health Women's Heart Center to addresses the unique manifestations of heart disease in women.
The center offers state-of-the-art diagnosis, care and prevention of heart disease that begins with a complete women's cardiac health evaluation based on your family history and lifestyle.
Women may request a FREE heart risk pre-assessment questionnaire here .
