Heart Failure diagnosis.

[PhyllisK]

I am an 80 year old female with a history of Atrial Fibrillation. I have had 3 Ablations and am now on rate control drugs which keep me quite comfortable. Recently my breathing became a problem and I am getting generalised weakness . I really do expect this at my grand age but I do like to drive and potter. My only gripe is the lack of energy. Will a new drug called Spironolactone 25mgm daily help with my energy levels. I would hate to think that I am becoming infirmed. Thank you.

[10gingercats]

Spironolactone has been around a while. it was prescribed for me with Furosimide..both small doses....to keep fluid in lungs and around heart at bay. The Spiron. 'caused' a potassium spike so it was withdrawn and Amplodopine replaced it with the Fluros.But a lot of these meds. have multi uses so what was good for me may not suit you. I am 85 by the way ,almost 86. I get excellent treatment at the John radcliffe Hospital oxford. I am seen every 6 months and also have a echocardigram twice yearly.I have a non functioning Tr icuspid valve and various other heart issues.i keep busy,exercise and eat small to moderate meals with very little meat, almost no bread(Gluten issues) plenty of veg and fruit.

[PhyllisK in reply to 10gingercats]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I have had heart issues for 20 years and am amazingly appreciative of the NHS. I guess I panicked and thought that this is the beginning of the end. Your explanation of the medication and your trust in same, has made me hopeful that I can regain my energy levels. I need my energy levels to make life good! Thank you once again. Phyl K

[jeanjeannie50]

Lovely to hear from you Phyl. I was only thinking the other day that we hadn't heard from you for a while.

Sorry I can't be of any help re that medication.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[PhyllisK in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean, how lovely of you to remember me. I had an ablation in 2019 and with the help of rate control medication I have been very comfortable. I stopped needing healthunlocked for me personally but I have very fond memories of you and Bob. I know you both had difficult times and I am hoping that with good management you are both comfortable. I am now 80 years old and have been diagnosed with mild heart failure. I still drive and have childcare duties to 5 grandchildren so I need my energy. Hence the interest in this new problem. Bob’s mantra has always been that “ knowledge is power “ so as always I am following his advice. Once again thank you. Stay safe. Phyl

[mav7 in reply to PhyllisK]

Great attitude, Phyllis !

Have you discussed Spironolactone and energy/breathing symptoms with your doctor ? Perhaps he may recommend an echocardiogram if it has been awhile.

Best to You !

[PhyllisK in reply to mav7]

Thank you mav7. I have a Cardiology appointment in July with a view to an updated assessment of my medication and physical condition. The GP in the meantime is requesting joint management of my condition, hence the Spironolactone. I will have a blood test and be monitored. Sadly the NHS is in such a shambles I can only hang on in there. Thank you for the compliment I only feel 40 years old. 😉

[Blearyeyed in reply to PhyllisK]

It's worth contacting your named Cardiologist via a phone call , ask to be put through to the Cardio's Secretary bus the Hospital number if you don't have the direct one.Just explain what's been happening and which drug your GP is planning to put you on and ask the Secretary if they could check with the Cardio what they thought , and if they think that trying Spiro is what they want for you , and ask if she can ring you back or email you with their answer.

They are usually happy to do this and like to know about the change and might choose to get you an Echo or ECG before you begin, and it will give you peace of mind before making you decision whether to trial it or not rather than waiting until your next appointment, July is quite a while away.

Take care and let us know how you get on , Bee

[PhyllisK in reply to Blearyeyed]

Sadly I have left messages on the Secretary’s answering machine but they have not responded. I live 5 minutes away from the hospital and wanted to explore the possibility of applying to go on the Cardiology cancellation list. I will keep trying but even the GP is not getting any response. I did have my July appointment cancelled but the GP has had the appointment re-instated. I am quite reconciled to old age and only want my energy levels restored. At 80, I must recognise that management of my condition is the best possible option. Take care.

[Desanthony in reply to PhyllisK]

I never leave a message now as I was told by one secretary that quite often - especially during times like these and the hospitals are so busy and due to sickness absences many secretaries are doubling up duties and trying to answer more than one consultant's phone they very often do not reply to telephone messages. If I ring and am put on the answer phone I just politely say I will ring back and then ring again and again until I speak to someone or the next time I am shopping in town pop a note into the hospital to be left for said secretary. I was lucky in the last place I lived that I got on very well with one of the secretaries from opthalmology and sought her out and she helped me get my messages to the right people and get my answers.

[Threecats]

Hi Phyllis

My mother was diagnosed with heart failure, as well as AF, eleven years ago now. She originally thought she had a chest infection due to her breathing difficulties and feeling generally very unwell, so it was a surprise to both of us when the GP insisted she went straight to hospital where she was admitted and given her diagnosis. She was put on a small dose of Spironolactone, as well as Furosemide as part of her new drug regimen and that certainly made a huge difference to her breathing. She came out of hospital a new woman! She will be 89 this year and is still going strong and keeping me in order😊. I hope the drug proves as effective for you.

All best wishes to you, TC

[PhyllisK in reply to Threecats]

Thank you so much for your wonderful support. Best wishes to your Mother. PhylK

[etheral]

According to Merck tiredness is a reported side effect of Spironlactone. Ask about Entresto.. a drug for heart failure that I take and has caused me no problems. Best etheral

[Sooz34]

Hello..I also have heart failure..I'm 65 and had afib for years but don't think I was taken seriously early enough. My diagnosis came after my breathing went downhill and my gp initially thought it was my asthma. After tests etc I finally was diagnosed with left sided heart failure. Like you I am now on Spironolactone and I feel a lot better and with a healthier diet I am feeling better than I have in a while. I don't know if it's the Spironolactone that's given me mire energy but I certainly feel like I have a bit more go. Hope this might help you a little 😊

[pusillanimous]

Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic that has been on the market since about the mid sixties, I think! I was prescribed it for swollen feet, although I do not have heart failure. It just did not suit me, it appeared to have the complete opposite effect, it restricted my urine output and had no effect of my feet. I am now going to try a loop diuretic,(furosemide) with a potassium supplement - I've had to delay starting it as I have picked up a nasty diarrhoea bug that is doing the rounds here, and the last thing I need is a diuretic ! I hope you have better luck with it than I did!

[PhyllisK in reply to pusillanimous]

Thank you. Fingers crossed. It is always a lottery. Phylk

[cuore]

I was prescribed Spironolactone for my high blood pressure becauseI have primary aldosterone. This drug prevents the production of too much aldosterone. It does not help me with my energy levels at all.

[PhyllisK in reply to cuore]

That’s not good. I can only hope it works for me, it has been a lovely day and normally I would be in the garden but my energy levels are very poor. I hope you are improving. Take care. Phyllis

[cuore]

Spironolactone is the only one that has kept my blood pressure under control. The other classes of drugs did not because I have primary aldosteronism. It is not a new drug; it was first produced in 1959. I take 50mg daily. I googled whether the drug increased energy, but it does the opposite:

"Spironolactone blocks the hormone aldosterone, which can lead to fatigue," Dr. Shah explains. "In addition, it can lower the blood pressure, and if this drop is sudden, you may feel tired."Jun 28, 2023

I also have had three ablations and am your age. I am on a rhythm control drug for my AF. You say you are on a rate control one. Review that drug. Maybe that is the problem.

[CarerEdi]

Hi there, my mum was also diagnosed with hf and put on spironalactone (she was a very healthy 88 yo when diagnosed in Oct 23). She didn't find the spiro increased her energy levels - that's sadly got worse but she also got a Raynaud's attack which didn't help. However IF she pushes past the breathlessness and forces a regular walk - by the end of the week the symptoms reduce and her energy comes back. In general, her illness responds really well to regular exercise (even a daily short walk). Incentivising this is hard due to the exhaustion - it's requiring mind over matter. So I think that with heart failure lifestyle changes can have a massive effect on helping the meds work.

[CarerEdi in reply to CarerEdi]

*I meant she was v healthy beforehand generally, almost never ill but a broken foot and sedentary lifestyle during COVID basically gave her HF