left ventricular systolic dysfunction

[Stinky1953]

Following my recent heart echo this diagnosis has appeared on my NHS GP record - "left ventricular systolic dysfunction". I had the echo because I get breathless these days just walking across the road to the shops, but when I went to see the GP to discuss my results there was no mention of "left ventricular systolic dysfunction". The NHS website tells me this is heart failure. Do you think the GP's failure to mention this to me is because it's mild and something I shouldn't worry about?

[Hidden]

Hi Stinky1953, One of the reasons why many GPs aren't keen on our accessing our own medical records is that it's so easy for the untrained to read and take things out of context, and end up worried or confused, and for this reason I think that you should first maybe try to ask some questions of your GP, so that there's no doubt about what your diagnosis is and where you are in relation to its progress as a disease..It's also important to know and understand that even if 'heart failure' is your diagnosis, this is an ongoing condition and not one which starts out as any immediate threat to life. It sounds dramatic and really scary, but like any progressive illness, it generally begins with mild symptoms, and treatments are available to help your situation and slow the progression of the disease. (One of my friend's husbands has had heart failure for over 20 years and is 93!). I often think it's the most poorly named condition there is. Who wouldn't be worried to hear that, on the face of it, your heart is failing?

As a guess it's quite likely that your own condition is not concerning enough at present for it to be presented to you as an immediate threat to health or life, but given that you've seen it for yourself on your records you are entitled to a fuller explanation of what's going on with regard to your heart.

[Stinky1953 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your helpful and considered reply. You are so right about the term "heart failure". It reminds me of a hospital up the road which was called the Hospital for Incurables - now thankfully re-named the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability.

[Hidden in reply to Stinky1953]

Oh dear Stinky1953. Some of the descriptions of the past really were harsh and unempathetic. I can think of quite a lot of similar instances!

[irene75359 in reply to Hidden]

What about schools - their names shouted out the particular disability the unfortunate children had.

[Hidden in reply to irene75359]

Oh yes, and poor kids who got scalp ringworm had their hair shaved right off and were made to wear hats!

[irene75359 in reply to Stinky1953]

I seem to remember that it was Lord Snowdon who was instrumental in getting the name changed.

[BobD Volunteer]

Just to clarify, "heart failure" just means it isn't managing to do all that is required at any one time.

[Stinky1953 in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob.

[Hidden]

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: [e-mail] / 01789 867 502

[Camille777]

I also hate the term heart failure. You can be treated for it, but the AF needs to be in control. We're told about AF causing clots, but not that it can affect how the blood flows. An echo will tell you if your heart is not functioning 100% & if you have good medical care, you can work to reverse it. It's basically what we should be doing anyway, exercise, eating right & keeping up with your Dr. My AF caused heart failure & now that I have had cardioversion, I will be embarking on an aggressive program to increase my heart function.

[Stinky1953]

Thank you Camille. You're absolutely right about about doing something to help reverse the condition. So I'm a bit disappointed my GP hasn't offered that. I know that Queen Mary's, which is not far from me, had a cardiac rehabilitation clinic. I shall have to chase this up.Tim

[Camille777]

I'm in the US & have rated my care a big fat zero.

[Seena2019]

Hi Stinky1953

I have LVDD and doctors never mentioned that i have heart failure. It is obvious that if we have LVDD or LVSD it is nothing but HF. Infact there are few doctors who are not even aware of this . Today i met a cardiologist and looking at my EF which has increased from 46 to 64 percent, he was saying that since my EF is normal I don't need to take Diuretic and Ivabradine. I just felt so bad about his knowledge.