Mum has AF and heart failure 😢

[Worrier1990]

Hi all. My mum has had atrial fibrillation for 4 years now, been managing the symptoms somewhat fine with medication, but today she was told she has heart failure now. She's being referred to the hospital to investigate which part of her heart is failing. I'm just wondering if we have much reason to hope considering she already has AF? Thanks

[Purplera1n]

My mum had severe mitral valve regurgitation (heart failure) a year ago and had her mitral valve repaired. She suffered AF as a result of op. Fast forward a year, she’s a picture of health, and apart from the scar you would never know it had even happened. It was incredibly worrying at the time but there’s lots of hope.

[Becksagogo]

After being diagnosed with AF three years ago I underwent a Mitral valve repair, aortic valve replaced, ablation and pacemaker fitted.

Five weeks ago I had my Mitral valve replaced because the repair didn't work.

I am AF free (touch wood) and back to work albeit part time working my way back to full time.

I get breathless but that's probably the Bisoprolol which I am hoping to change at my next meeting with the heart failure nurse.

We are all very different and recover at varying rates but please don't give up on her. There is always hope; technology is improving at an astronomical rate!

Good luck to you both x

[Holymackerel]

Hi Worrier99, my mum was recently diagnosed with AF and heart failure (two faulty valves). She's not had any surgical procedures yet but is doing ok on meds and will follow up soon with her cardiac surgeon. I know how scary and worrying it is but don't lose hope. My mum was hospitalised and very unwell as her heart problem was undiagnosed but she's home now and slowly getting back to her old routine which is something I didn't think would happen when I saw her in intensive care. Keep the faith and best wishes to you both.

[Sueturnersmith]

Please do not worry. HF means the heart is not pumping enough oxygen around the body, and it can be successfully treated with medication. The term HF is not a good description, and causes many people to panic unnecessarily. I have had HF for 12 years, and although my mobility is limited, partly by HF, and partly by arthritis, I am fine.

[purpleswimmer in reply to Sueturnersmith]

Do you have afib as well?

[Sueturnersmith in reply to purpleswimmer]

Hi purpleswimmer, yes I have recently been told I now have AF as well, and have just been prescribed blood thinners. I feel ok, and am coping pretty well. I had an ICD implanted two years ago, and was prescribed Entresto at the same time. This really helped me to cope much better, and if you qualify, I strongly recommend this newish medication.

[Prada47]

Hello

Heart Failure is something to be concerned about, but not to be worried about !! and now comes the but. But it needs to be managed by her GP, HF Nurse or Cardiology. The symptoms are so varied in fact you can have Heart Failure without any symptoms that restrict your everyday routine. You have every reason to have hope I have never doubted that I will remain reasonably well with Heart Failure as long as it remains to be managed and my medication is titrated to my symptoms. Stay positive we all have a future.

regards

[thehypnotist]

I have been in a/f and heart failure since 1986. As long as investigation and due care are continuing, don't overthink it.