bnp level high, breathlessness and fluid in lungs. What does this mean?

[Rhiannonimity1]

hello everyone.

I have posted relatively frequently, most recently because my weight loss surgery was cancelled due to high heart rate(120-130) in persistent af and breathlessness.

The gp gave me additional bisoprolol which brought hr down to about 90. Breathlessness has continued, possibly due to food intolerance issues and improved somewhat. Gp thought I had a hernia but before re- referring me to bariatric surgery has given me a full gamut of chest X-ray and blood tests. My bnp test came back reading 1200, and there is fluid on my lungs. The other tests are all fine. My hr is now 90, bp 120 over 72. He has prescribed diuretics. He says I need an ecg ( I have had 3 in the last 3 months which were all normal) and then he can send me for an echo so they can get my ejection fraction.

I am terrified tbh. It sounds like I have heart failure. What will this mean for me? I’m 56

Thanks.

[Autumn_Leaves]

The BHF forum may be a better place to ask. There seems to be quite a few people on there with HF who may be able to share their experiences and treatments. It sounds like quite a worrying experience and you won’t know for sure what’s going on until you have all the tests. You might try ringing the BHF nurse helpline if you need advice and reassurance in the meantime.

[Anon2023]

hi. Autumn Leaves is right about trying on the BHF forum as there are lots of people on there who may be able to help.

Your bnp test did come back a little high but that doesn’t automatically mean heart failure. It’s just one diagnostic tool and your readings could indicate other things. I’m assuming that they’ve assessed you for chest infections etc? You could have fluid on your lungs with things like pneumonia. It’s so easy to second guess what’s wrong and you could terrify yourself but it could be less serious than you fear.

[Rhiannonimity1 in reply to Anon2023]

Tbh I have really bad chronic post nasal drip, which I have every year at this time. It always gives me a dry cough and makes me hoarse/ chesty. Will try the beef forum.

[Rhiannonimity1]

bhf forum sorry

[Ppiman]

I guess the breathlessness will be owing to the fluid on your lungs but I’m sure the cause of that can be many things so I would go straight to thinking heart failure.

I’m surprised the doctors said nothing to you about the BNP levels?

In view of the anxiety, which I struggle with always, I think I would have an echo done privately to see what my heart is actually doing and what shape it’s in.

Steve