Heart Failure concerns

[Barny12]

Hi all,

I'm concerned I may have heart failure. I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF almost 12 months ago and am due to go for a check up at Cardiology in 6 weeks. As I understand AF most people seem to feel fine in between bouts of AF, whereas I feel tired, have a bloated belly, persistent slight cough, become breathless on exercise - which seem to be HF symptoms.

Do you think I should go to my GP with my concerns & perhaps get a blood test, or wait 6 weeks and ask my EP about it?

[wilsond]

Hello. It wouldn't hurt to have a blood test done,which you could then discuss with your EP if necessary. Peace of mind if nothing else? Have you ever had respiratory issues before? Adult onset asthma or ongoing chest infection could also be culprits. Best wishes let us know how you do xx

[Buffafly]

Sounds as though it might be but could be something else so I would see your GP. If it is HF a cardiologist is usually the person to see but if it's not related to AF, or even may be the cause of the AF, you will have wasted 6 weeks. I don't know what meds you are on, if any, so that's another possibility. Best wishes 💜

[BobD Volunteer]

Could be lots of things so -please don't assume anything. Beware blood tests may show raised signals but this does not mean you have HF as AF itself can result in such readings with a healthy heart. Sounds like GP visist for check up but don't focus on one thing.

[bantam12 in reply to BobD]

Agreed, I have raised BNP which could indicate HF but it doesn't in my case, blood tests can be very misleading when looked at in isolation.

[Barny12]

Thanks all - GP appointment booked.

BTW when I had an echocardiogram done last December, wouldn't that have shown any HF issues?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Barny12]

Normally it would show in some of the measurements taken yes. (Ejection fraction for one)

[etheral]

A simple chest x-ray would show any gross failure. Your go could order this and check you out for other potential problems.

[Barny12]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful GP says my bloating is not water retention and lungs sound fine but has now booked me in for blood test/ECG/Echocardio/24 hour monitor.