Hi
I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy 3 years ago and just been informed ejection fraction rate of heart is 35% and am seeing consultant in March for a review. I am worried sick and just wondered what should I be asking him when I see him. Is there any merit in getting a private echo done ??. i have had a bad cough now for at least 3 months and believe this is due to my failing heart. I have a family with 2 teenagers and find it hard to talk about such matters.
Hello, my husband has DCM too. We found the cardiomyopathy.org website really useful and their nurse helpline is wonderful, as is the BHF helpline. They can help you with the questions to ask. I know it’s easy for me to say, but please try not to worry too much. When you have your Cardiology review they'll be able to explain more about your condition and the ways forward, which may just be tablets. My husband has an ACE Inhibitor (lisinopril), a betablocker (Bisoprolol) and a diuretic (Spironolactone) which he found improved his EF and his ability to do things generally. In the meantime, please bear in mind that an EF of 35% isn’t as bad as it sounds at first because a “normal” is EF 50-65%. Also, you’ll find loads of other people on here who will offer their support too, whether they have a heart condition or they’re someone’s partner or family member. Please shout out any comments, questions or queries and someone will be along presently. All the best for the future. X
Thank you so much for this reply
Just realised the spelling mistakes sorry effects should read ejection fraction and pre opening pre op!!
Sorry
Hi
I am fairly new to the Heart Failure Club . I am much older than you 65 and like you I have a low effects . I had no symptoms and only discovered my problem when I was supposed to have an operation and pre opening showed an odd each reading .
Anyway I had a forty eight hour monitor, radiography, and an MRI .
Have been put on some medication and waiting to see if it improves the situation .
I would say try not to worry too much the Cardiologists are amazing and I am sure they will explain how to help you .Worrying will only make you feel bad , believe me I know I am the world's worst for worrying !!
March will soon be here and I would write down anything that you can think of before you go for your appointment .
I have found this site very helpful there are some lovely people on here.
Each one of us has different problems some minor and some more serious but it's good to share our thoughts.
I know it's hard but you could try also talking to your family they will be worrying about you as well and you may find it is better to let them in.
I wish you luck with your appointment please let us know how you get on .
Always remember we are all here for you .
X
Hi, my husband has heart failure, his EF is 30 & has been for some years. He's also had a cough for a few years. He's medication works really well for him & he's just been put on furosmide which is helping the cough considerably. His cardiologist isn't concerned bout his EF as he said it doesn't change the way he's being treated, people can have lower EF & be really well whereas others have ahigher EF but can be quite poorly. His nurse has also said not to get hung up on numbers. My husband also has an ICD fitted, you could ask if you're eligible for one. Also, ask if you'll be referred to a cardiac nurse who are invaluable for support, advice, education etc. Make a list of all that's worrying you, if you're on medication, ask what it's for, how will it help/benefits etc. Please try not too worry too much, if the hospital was concerned you would have had an earlier appt than March.
Hey Jack
Glad you’re seeing a consultant. Is this your first appointment with them? I agree with everything mentioned above, especially the advice to talk to the expert nurses at Cardiomyopathy.org or BHF. Both websites have great information resources. Whatever you do, don’t google anything! Speak to an expert. Your family can talk to them also to understand what you’re going through.
I was diagnosed in August with an EF of 15%, but no symptoms. Had an echo a couple of weeks ago, and my EF is now 35%. The medication can do wonders. And there are other treatments such as implants as well.
Good luck and try not to worry. Let us know how you get on.
It was Ramipril that gave me a cough changed to another type of medication and cough has gone
Hello, I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy just over a year ago - completely out of the blue. Initially my EF was 30-35% but with meds I am now around 40%. I don't dwell on that number too much as I feel well, can work, do yoga, pilates and zumba and generally do almost everythiing I did before the diagnosis. The drug I feel has had most impact is Entresto - it's relatively new but seems to have done the trick for me. I'm also on the diuretics and Beta blockers etc. However, taking a few tablets each day and not being in pain or struggling is just amazing for me. In fact the only time I remember I have this DM is when I go to travel and pay for the Health Insurance. Also I find the Heart Failure nurses are fantastic in that their knowledge is good and they have a handle on what you should and shouldn't be doing/feeling etc.
Good luck and try not to worry. It is really just a number. Just consider how you feel.
Hi I have the same condition as you with an EF of 15% this was diagnosed 2 years ago and the medication has help to slow the decline of my heart
Yes the cough sounds like HF symptoms I also had this problem which has now cleared with medication
Try not to worry too much as this is bad for you, A 35% EF is pretty good really
Good luck
Thank you. I have diabetes and peripheral neuropathy also. It's so hard at present as no-one around I can talk too. Thanks again.
Bisoprolol side effects 
Intro
Post AVR 3 & 1/2 weeks, Atrial Fibrillation 
CAD and OMT/STATINS
Pain under arm pit area following by pass surgery.
