My girlfriend has very recently been diagnosed with CHF. Obviously, its been hard for me to cope with. She says shes dying and wont live past 40. This scares me, of course. But how long, genuinely, does she have left? Shes only 13 (Im 14!), and is otherwise reasonably fit and more than willing to make adequate lifestyle changes. She has started taking her medication today I believe. So, considering her young age, good health, and if she made lifestyle changes... How long would you expect her to live for?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. At the age of 13 years, most common cause for heart failure is valvular heart disease. And with surgical valvular replacement, patient can live normal life. So first find out the cause for her heart failure and if it is valvular heart disease then consult cardiothoracic surgeon and discuss surgical repair for better life expectancy. If she is having other cause for heart failure then with treatment and lifestyle modifications, she can live normal life. She is very young at present, so she can live for at least 30-40 years more if she follows lifestyle modifications. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your girlfriend. Thanks.