Congestive heart failure from retaining water?

No, contrary to common opinion it is not the cost at all. In our practice we routinely refer patients for valve surgeries in their 80's and 90's, - if they are a good candidate. Having a severe cardiomyopathy with an EF of 15% identifies that the heart is not the only issue here.

Does he have advanced diabetes, hypertension, uncontrolled hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis? Likely. Did he smoke for years and he has COPD / asthma / pulmonary hypertension?

Likely. These are reasons which would make transplant surgery very unlikely to be successful. The primary reason, is SUPPLY.

There are so many kids, young adults waiting for hearts that never have the chance for heart transplant simply because there are not enough available. It is impossible to justify getting a heart to transplant (legally) into a 76 year old whom had a long life. How could anyone justify telling the 13 yr old with congential heart disease he can't get a heart because his was given to a 76 yr old whom could pay for it?

It is NOT about the money at all, just the opposite.

Average lifespan for a male in the USA is 75.6. insurance companies don't want to spend $200,000 on someone who has already lived a full life. The procedure is not cost effective on a 76 year old. I had a friend who needed a heart valve replacement at age 90.

He was told no and died within the year.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.