Heart muscle not working properly

[Sooz34]

I had an angiogram Monday and the doctor yold me my heart muscle is not working properly. To my understanding this is heart failure. Am I correct? I have also been told to 'get fitter' and he will see me in 3 months.

The problem is I had two knee replacements (one which went badly wrong the second to fix but which didnt do much more than help a little with walking), I also have ME and am worn out quite easily. I do my garden etc and keep as active as I can. As my beathing feels affected ie I get breathless and and have chest ache its limiting me to slower activities. I eat a low fat diet but am putting on weight - 8kg in a year)I also feel bloated. I am asthmatic with a racing pulse and high blood pressure which is what I was being treated for while my heart was apparently struggling. Until a new GP came and has tried to fix me. I feel very sad about this situation I find myself in.

Could anyone give me a few tips etc or any help with the diagnosis etc. I feel lost.

[10gingercats]

you might ask for your GP to organise a chest x ray for you to check if you have fluid around your heart or in your lungs. If this is so and you take a diaretic for a short while to free your lungs and heart of the fluid there may be relief from the breathlessness. Also there are a few online seated exercises...I do some of these and they exercise your body in a way you can manage without having to stand or get down on the floor. But you will have to do them regularly and for a few months to get the benefit.

[Sooz34 in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you for your advice I'll try to get the x ray organised if I can see a doctor

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to 10gingercats]

HiMetroprolol caused my breathlessness.

Asthmatics SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS DRUG along with those who had coughing with ACE drugs.

Diuretics beware make you loose elements such as potassium.

I could not take the lead in ACE product but I don't have asthma. There is execema in our family.

Try and be ready to get symptoms such as breathlessness.

If your AF is not controlled then that spect doesn't help.

Take care and balance is important in control of AF. Cheers JOY

[BobD Volunteer]

Technically no. Heart faliure merely means that your heart can't keep up with the demands made on it by your body.

I'm not sure what the doctor means by " muscle not working properly" as this covers SO MANY possibilities from loss of muscle (infarction) resulting from loss of blood supply to an area of the heart or just enlargement of one or more chambers. Not very helpful really.

The angiogram looks at the various arteries supplying blood to the heart whereas an echocardiogram can measure chamber size and thickness as well as how well the various valves are operating.

I think you need and in depth discussion with your doctor.

[Sooz34 in reply to BobD]

My arteries are all good but he just said my heart muscle isnt working as well as it should. Its so frustrating as I wanted a proper diagnosis after the angiogram! Ive not had an infarction just breathlessness, chest ache, fatigue etc

[mjames1]

Not necessarily heart failure. Could be cardiomyopathy which can lead to heart failure if not properly treated.

You mention your "Gp". If you don't have a cardiologist, at this stage you may want to get one. Ask questions, including what is the diagnosis and treatment plan options.

Jim

[Bagrat]

You may find it helpful to talk to one of the BHF Nurses or there is a live chat too bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[mav7]

Are you eligible to see a physical therapist ?

A physical therapist, in consultation with your doctor, could direct some exercises based on your condition that would be helpful. Both mentally and physically.

[bassets]

Really sorry you are going through the mill like this. Please push to see a cardiologist if you haven't one or press your doctor to explain what he means and what the treatment is. As Bob says he or she has not been very helpful at all and 'm afraid if you don't ask you don't get. Let us know how you are getting on as you are not alone. Best wishes.

[Sooz34 in reply to bassets]

Thank you so much and i have a cardiologist but saw a different one for the anhiogram. Didnt get a letter to take home or i would have read that 😊. Just feel ive been left hanging.

[bassets]

I think you have, but keep pushing to find out what you need. I found I was in the same circumstances until I decided enough was enough. keep on keeping on - good luck and God bless.

[Sooz34 in reply to bassets]

Thank you ..youve given me the impetus to ask. Much appreciated 😊

[bassets]

You're welcome. Let us know how you are doing please? x

[Sooz34 in reply to bassets]

I will do ..thank you

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Oh dear.

What are your meds?

I was finally controlled by CCB Diltiazem - a Calciium Channel Blocker.

Now controlled on 120mg Diltriazem A>M

2.5mg Bisoprolol

BP last Thursday. 123/72. I am 73 years

93 no AF at rest DR took for a few minutes.

More tests like ECG connected to treadmill. This would sow AF on exertion as night rate avge is 48, no pauses.

Also another echo as one DHB sp says I have enlarged L.Ventricle. ???? Back in March 2021. Before changexd from Metroprolol. Awful drug.

Cheers JOY

[Sooz34 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thanks Joy..pills are Perindopril 8mg Bisoprolol 5mg Cardide 2.5 mg but these are from my GP pre angiogram. The consultant did say he has 'the big guns ready in reserve' but I'm just lost and worried as he never waited for the shock to pass so I could ask questions! ☹

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Sooz34]

HiThanx for that! I can only recognise Bisoprolol which does not upset breathing problems.

I know what you mean.

I had an op for TVT kit (Johnson & Johnson). 2 March2022 to remove it or partially..... AF controlled with Diltiazen Dec 2021 abd 2.5 p.m Biisoprolol.

Postop supposed to be at 6 weeks was at 8weeks.

I listed a few things but the following day whilst pondering forgot to ask .. was sample sent for examination because of all the inflammation OK?

and which arm was unable to be removed from through the damaged area of vagina I forgot as well!

I have her email address so will ask.

These were important questions that I wanted answered.

Like you, list them and ask a.s.a.p.

cheri JOY

[Sooz34 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thank you I will list them ..I must find out all I need to know.