[Sunnie]

I just wanted to say that I too am a Daddy's girl and I will be keeping your Daddy in my prayers. I also want to offer some encouragement. They have made so many advancements in cardiac medicine that they can do amazing things now. I know because at the age of 43 I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I had/have 3 leaking valves caused by taking phen-fen when I was younger. We know it was caused by the drugs because they did an EKG prior to me taking it, then again afetr and I had no heart issues prior to taking the drug. When I was diagnosed, my ejection fraction (EF) was just 40. Normal is between 55-70. EF is a ratio of the blood that enters the heart as compared to the amount leaving it, so it sort of measures the efficiency of the heart itself. Anything under 50 is considered congestive heart failure. The leaking valves where making my heart work harder than it could handle. Basically 1/4 of my heart was not working. Since being diagnosed, I have been on several heart medications including some brand new drugs which strengthened my heart muscle. My EF is now at the high end of normal (70). I STILL have 3 leaking valves, but my heart muscle has been strengthened enough to overcome the extra strain on my heart from the valves. My cardiologist calls me his poster child. So all is not lost. there are many many advances that can help and there are more being discovered daily. I hope your Dad lives a long healthy life.