Heart Failure

[Flutterbird]

I am worried I am going into heart failure. I was diagnosed with Afib and flutter in 2017. I have been in persistent AF for the last two years and was discharged from the hospital. I am only 65 and was wondering if it was possible and what to do. I have developed a big belly and am breathless at times I wouldnt have been previously. I am being investigated by gastroenterology but they havent found anything yet and wondered if we have been barking up the wrong tree.

[CDreamer]

Please go see your GP and ask for this to be checked out - bloods and echocardiogram would give a good indication.

[Flutterbird in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you. Sorry for the late reply, looking after an elderly partner with alzheimers and am exhausted. Spoke to my aortic nurses yesterday. I have just had my yearly mri for my anuerysm and they suggested finishing my gastro investigations and if they come up with nothing then query the possibility of heart failure. I could be getting breathless because my big tummy is pressing on my diaphragm. I am having an endoscopy next week, only just heard about this so hopefully I will get some answers soon.

[FraserB in reply to Flutterbird]

As others have mentioned, you need to be getting an echocardiogram and seeing a cardiologist. An echo is one of the most reliable ways to evaluate conditions like diastolic dysfunction or fluid overload.

You also mentioned that you're caring for a senior partner with Alzheimer's. I can relate, as I was a caregiver for a family member with dementia years back. It can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. I learned the hard way that, even if just for a short time, it’s important to allow yourself to put your own needs first so you can be well.

[Flutterbird in reply to FraserB]

Will do. I find it impossible to put my own needs first while he is here. I just hope we get to a point where he has to be elsewhere. I have several health problems and I am not really fit to be a carer.

[FraserB in reply to Flutterbird]

It's completely understandable to feel like you're not cut out for caregiving when you're facing your own health challenges — and no one can do it perfectly or on their own. While we love those we care for, caregiving can be an overwhelming experience that takes over -- even our own health. Please know that you're already doing the best you can, and sometimes, that truly is enough.

[Tish29 in reply to Flutterbird]

Good Luck 🍀

[BenHall1]

Hiya flutterbird,

I agree very much with CDreamer. One of the clues in an Echo would be the hearts Ejection Fraction. Basically, if your EF was up around 65%, maybe 70% thats great, real great, however, if it was down around 50% or less there would be concern that maybe heart failure was lurking around.

Since 2020 I've had an Echo every 2 years and this has shown my EF declining, but, then I've aged too, even though my AF is highly controlled. Even so, it is still around 60% aged 80.

[Luna1824 in reply to BenHall1]

Hi I was having issues and had an echo, my EF was 54%, I am 53 and was told by GP, all good, no issues with the heart.Some days I can hardly walk up the stairs and any exertion leaves me breathless. This time last year I was running 5k 3 times a week and doing weights 4 times. I still think there's something wrong but I'm told I have AF and that's it.

[BenHall1 in reply to Luna1824]

Personally, the last person I'd look to in terms of heart health would be a GP ! Becaause of this I self referred myself to a Cardiac Consultant, went private and paid for it all myself. It was much quicker than NHS and the results were much more reassuring too. If you can possibly find they money, going private is the way to go. TBH I couldn't really afford it so I had to make some dramatic changes in my finances to fund the experience. So glad I did.

[Luna1824 in reply to BenHall1]

Think I will go private as I'm fed up feeling like this. Thank you

[BenHall1 in reply to Luna1824]

Luna1824,

Glad to read that and I wish you every success. The point is there is soooo much more involved with the heart and it is best to get top advice.

[Flutterbird in reply to BenHall1]

Yes my aortic nurses said I would need an echo and that my recent cardiac mri wouldnt necessarily show anything. Just got to finish the gastro appointments and see what happens next. I used to have a yearly echo before my mri but that was discontinued.

[Larneybuds]

If you are breathless then you should speak with your GP. Breathlessness could be for a number of reasons but if you have a bloated tummy as well this could be fluid retention and needs checking out. Fluid doesn't always present in the ankles and legs it can build up in the stomach and abdomen areas so as a precaution and to rule out things I would personally get it investigated. Xx

[Flutterbird in reply to Larneybuds]

I agree, just decided to get the gastro investigations over first and if they dont show anything then ask for an echo. I guess I would just prefer to be in heart failure than find I have incurable cancer. I was referred to gastro urgently in June and have only just been seen. Its been a long haul.

[Larneybuds in reply to Flutterbird]

Don't leave it too long just incase it is a build up of fluid. I really hope you get sorted. Take care xx

[Annaelizabeth]

NT pro BNP included in blood test, along with echocardiogram

[Flutterbird in reply to Annaelizabeth]

Thank you.

[Offcut]

Hi

I was diagnosed with AF in 1992 As Far I remember they classed that has heart failure then? I do agree it is a very disheartening thing to call it? I am one of the few that has not responded well to 9 Cardio Versions and 3 Ablations and still in semi-permanent AF! In 2004 I had a heart attack sometime later they think I had had another? 2008 I ended up in ICU for 32 days with Empyema (Wife was told I was not seeing the night though twice!) 2013 I was Diagnosed with IPAH Told by my Local Consultant I probably have 6 to 9 years? Well, they all got that wrong!

I have found a Positive Mental Attitude is by far the most helpful thing plus the 31 tablets a day I take. Over worrying will not make the situation any better trust me I know. I found that knowing your limits and sometimes pushing them is a good way of going.

I found I had to be very assertive to my GP and Consultants for them to act and to be fair they are now more willing to accept my take on how I am over the "at rest" checks they do?

Be Well

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Offcut]

Well done you. I think that needs some applause 👏👏👏. Thanks for sharing your courage.

[Flutterbird in reply to Offcut]

Thank you. I just want to know what is going on. Got breathless just wrapping my daughters birthday presents today.

[Flutterbird in reply to Offcut]

Thank you. I just want to know what is going on. Got breathless just wrapping my daughters birthday presents today.