AF and heart failure

[Gillybean123]

Hi everyone i had some blood tests done just routine but they called me in for an appointment, they said my blood tests were abnormal and that it wasn’t urgent. Anyway have spoken to a doctor today and she said one of the tests is showing heart failure and not to worry and they are booking me in for an echocardiogram. She thinks it has something to do with my AF. I am worried obviously but don’t understand it.

[CDreamer]

Heart ‘failure’ simply means that your heart isn’t pumping oxygenated blood efficiently to your body. It’s a very unfortunate term because it implies your heart is failing and that conjures up all sorts of concerns. My husband was in heart failure in 2018, he was assessed, given a treatment plan and is no longer.

The echocardiogram will give your doctors’ a much clearer idea of the structure of your heart and see if AF has altered that structure and you can go from there. The blood test is only an indication, not a diagnosis in itself.

The worst part is waiting for the tests and then the results and then to talk to a doctor so do hope that all happens in a timely fashion. It’s really good your GP picked up on it so soon. Best wishes

[Gillybean123 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you just needed a bit of feedback. Have a lovely Christmas.

[kkatz]

Do You have access to your Gp records.I always check results & Google.Hope you don't have to wait long.I went private for mine.£420.I definitely miss that arm & leg.

[Ppiman]

It is most likely that his AF needs be kept under better control. The echocardiogram will show better what is happening. As CD says, there are several kinds of heart failure and it's a poor term as it always causes mostly unnecessary anxiety.

Steve

[Genteel1]

The test could be to check hormone level for heart attack, or heart issue, or there is a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) test gives your provider information about how your heart is working. This blood test measures the levels of a protein called BNP in your bloodstream. When your heart has to work harder to pump blood, it makes more BNP. Higher levels of BNP can be a sign of heart failure. This is probably the blood test that you are referring to. I don't like the term heart failure, they should use another description. They should measure your ef ( ejection fraction) with an echocardiogram to assess your percentage level. Healthy heart is normally around 55%-65% I believe. Below this can indicate some sort of, heart pump blood flow inefficiency. You need to talk with your cardiologist regarding tests and medication and exercise regime. Hope all goes well for you.

[Gillybean123 in reply to Genteel1]

Thank you. I have got my head round it now, I don’t like the term Heart Failure either.

[mav7 in reply to Gillybean123]

nyulangone.org/conditions/c....

Good explanation by Genteel. Check above link on why they did the blood test.

[Dudtbin]

our atrial fibrillation nurses say the heart is not functioning properly which i think is much better - my husband went into a panic when he visited me in the ‘heart failure ward’ when i was in hospital!!!

[solarjdo69]

GillyBean, healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

My post in reply to a member with heart failure issues.