Mild Heart Failure

[DesertDeuces]

Hello all you lovely and helpful people! Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season.

I have been greatly helped by you with regard to AFib, and for that I thank you.

Now, my question is regarding mild heart failure. As I had said before, my heart had been in great shape until my hospitalization and the stress the misdiagnosis put on my heart. I am left with an enlarged left atrium.

To begin, I've been able to better handle the AFib, but the mild heart failure is bothersome to me. I still have a lot to learn about it. I hadn't had a reason to consider it until I took a sort of long walk at the property where I work. Halfway to my destination, I began to feel fatigued, felt my entire body swelling, and had a difficult time walking. I found myself hoping I'd encounter the maintenance guys in their golf cart so I could get a ride back to the office, but no luck. By the time I got to the office all I could do was to lay my head on the desk for a bit, I was hurting so much.

I spoke with my nurse on the phone (she visits every week) and she said 'mild heart failure...'. We haven't yet discussed it in person, but I researched on the internet. I found that there are several causes of mild heart failure, most of which can improve. But, I don't normally have problems with high blood pressure, my arteries are clear and my cholesterol levels are great. I am not overweight at all. My doctor told me that an enlarged atrium cannot improve.

My questions are: A: does anyone have information on mild heart failure due to enlarged atrium? and B: what would you think would be the best approach to exercise or whatever? Should I just take it slow from now on? Or is there something that I could do to improve my situation?

Thank you in advance!

[BobD Volunteer]

Enlarged left atrium is a common side effect of having AF and contrary to what your doctor has told you if the AF is treated and your heart rate controlled it is highly likely that this will return to a more normal size.

Heart failure only means that your heart is unable to fullfill all the demands put on it by your body.

[Bronte23 in reply to BobD]

Hi BobD

Firstly, thanks so much for all your hard work as a volunteer here. Hugely appreciated.

Secondly, some questions. How do folks know if their previously enlarged left atriums have reduced in size following catheter ablation? Do their doctors arrange another echo? Is this part of routine

aftercare? Do you know of any research articles about enlarged left atriums returning to normal?

Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Bronte23]

Research articles as such sorry no only members reports here as irene states. Best ask for another echo in a few months but please understand that few GPs actually know much about AF unless they have a special interest in it. This is not a criticism as it is a specialised subject. In fact quite a few cardiologists could do with more knowledge of all the ins and outs of it which is why we recommend seeing an electrophysiologist. I think most of us long term AFers become experts!

[irene75359]

I am sorry I don't have the experience to offer any advice about improving your condition. However, I would reiterate what Bob says, many people on the forum have reported that their left atriums have reverted to near normal after treatment.

Heart failure is such an emotive term. I think you need to see your specialist again, (better still an EP) about your condition, and have a treatment plan in place, rather than just a phone call with a nurse.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

[Buffafly]

I suggest you visit British Heart Foundation website where you will find lots of advice, but the main takeaway is that taking it easy is the worst thing you can do as the heart is a muscle and needs exercise - you may need advice on what is appropriate for you.

[Bridges4]

Hi

I was diagnosed with heart failure some four years ago (I am 77 years old) and have been looked after by a very competent cardio since then. I have been put on a regime using the best of modern medication which has improved things considerably and my heart is now pumping blood around my body efficiently -certainly a lot better than three years ago.

I would never presume to advise you as heart failure can take many forms. I had exhaustive diagnostics after which an accurate course of treatment was agreed.

In other words, if you are really worried, then the only route to follow is with a specialist. That is the best way to improve your situation.

I hope all works out well for you.

[MarkS]

Here's an article on Heart Failure:

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

There are suggestions for keeping your heart healthy half way down the page. I would suggest you continue to exercise as much as you can.

[sweetiepye]

I had a chemical stress test which showed an enlarged left atrium . A year later another test showed. It is back to normal . My diet was the biggest change l made.

[DesertDeuces in reply to sweetiepye]

That's nice to know! Thanks for sharing. Gives me confidence!

And, Great for You! I'm so glad you got that good news, sweetiepie!

[Ianc2]

Have you had a thorough check of your heart valves and structure? Enlarged hearts are often a result of endurance exercise and there is a fair amount of information about it available. If you read 'The haywire Heart' by Case, Mandrola and Zinn you may find it useful. I had my heart remodelled during a valve repair process and recently had a letter (much to my surprise) informing me that my heart structure is now completely normal.

Still a bit irregular though, but it doesn't bother me much, so I take my anticoagulants and go along my own sweet way.