I had a heart attack in February, with 2 stents inserted at that time, then followed by a double bypass at the end of May.
I was under the impression all had been successful, and was discharged by the Cardiac Team at the end of July.
Since then life has been good, I’ve started formal cardiac rehab and have been doing regular exercise without any issues or many weeks.
In fact all was going fine until I went to a follow up cardiology appointment today. After an ECG and BP tests that showed no issues I met a cardiac doctor I had not seen before and he let slip that
my heart is only operating at 40%, and I have been referred to the heart failure clinic.
No-one has ever said anything like this before, and to be frank it’s knocked me sideways. I thought everything was going so well and to be told something which sounds so serious has left me really anxious. When I said as much he didn’t seem to understand my concern, saying it’s quite normal. He also said it’s unlikely to ever get any better. This is my lot for life.
I don’t know what to think. I’m not a worrying type. I’ve been back at work for some time and feel better now than ever. But it seems I’m not.
Does anyone have any advice, comment that may help me to it this completely unexpected news into perspective?
Thanks
Tony
Written by
Daggerton
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It;s the shock of hearing the words and you think you know what they mean but because you are not familiar with the way cardiologists use them they often don;t convey the real meaning. You feel better, you are doing well, things were going along very nicely and then you hear this. Read the article - I hope it helps you get back on track. Best wishes for a continuing recovery.
I think your consultant needs to brush up on his bedside manner a bit! Leaving his lack of concern to one side, I've also got heart failure.
Heart Failure is where the heart's pumping action is impaired. The amount of blood your heart pumps is called the Ejection Fraction, which is expressed as a fraction. Normally anyone with an EF of 55% is regarded as normal. If you have an EF of 40% or less you are classified as having heart failure - failure is a very emotive word, I prefer to call it Impaired Heart Function. Failure doesn't mean that your heart is failing, it just can't pump blood around as effectively as it should.
While the figure is EF is used to qualify that someone has HF, the medics are really more interested in how the patient manages their day to day life with EF. For this they look at a classification system, see the link below for the 4 classifications.
My EF is 30% and I'm in NYHA Classification 1, so while I have HF it has no effect, I can walk/run exercise without getting any pain or breathlessness.
Ignore the words Heart Failure and try to determine where you sit in the classification, once you've been referred to a Heart Failure nurse they will try to maximum the benefits of the medication .
Don't worry - you're not about to knell over, there are a number of people on this forum who have lived full lives with heart failure for 20 years or more.
There's a very helpful book produced by the BHF on the subject, link below
Snap exactly the same I had H A August 18 . 1 stent fitted at the time with a planned stent fitted 6 weeks later to repair damage from previous H A 24 years earlier. When through rehab doing all the exercise felt I was doing well, then this August went for a follow up appointment and told I’ve got heart failure with EF 34% and being referred for pacemakers and heart failure nurse
I was in shock to such a degree I just come out of cardiologist office with out asking questions then I had to go and sit in the cafe and have a cup of tea to calm down and come to terms with it
I’ve sort of come to terms with it. I have my first appointment with HF nurse next Monday still waiting for appointment for pacemaker
I was really shocked go the gym 2 to 3 days a week and walk 3 to 4 mile a day
Go on BHF site loads of info there and another site pumping marvellous loads of info and advice (sorry for such a long post)
Hi Daggerton, you've already been given some great advice so I won't repeat it too much but an EF of 40 is not too bad, my husbands is 30 and he was diagnosed in 2012. This was due to a massive heart attack and cardiac arrest nearly 22 years ago when he was 42. Your EF is just a number, it's used just to confirm your diagnosis. Most cardiologists are not too concerned about the number they're more interested in symptons and you sound like you're doing really well. There is absolutely no reason to think you won't live a normal life and life span, with a few adaptations, meds, healthy lifestyle, exercise etc. It may help you to know that my friends husband also has an EF of 30, last year they went to hawaii for their holiday next year they're off to Florida. Under NICE guidelines you should be referred to a HF nurse if they're available in your area, if nobody mentions a referral give your cardiologist/GP a nudge as it can get forgotten, they're fantastic for guidance, sorting your meds and for support. They're the intermediary between your GP and the cardiologist. Finally, Dave has mentioned pumping marvellous, highly recommend you have a look at their website and maybe joining their closed facebook group, fantastic place for advice, support, laughs and just occasionally, a good old moan.
Thanks for the reply. I’ve always read this forum, but haven’t got involved much until today. Now see just how helpful a few kind words from considerate members can be.
I had a second AVR in June this year which was complicated. I too have been referred to the Heart Failure Team - although I was aware of problems and perversely had to almost demand this.
I saw a consultant cardiologist last week who was wonderful - a great help and really explained things. He indicated that HF is a poor term (and I agree) and described my heart function as 'inefficient' and 'needing help to pump'. He assured me that with meds, correct exercise the pumping action of my heart can be restored and can be maintained for decades.
My situation is different from yours, and I get that it is a shock after feeling so well, so its important that you ask all the questions you have about why/how to go forward. There are others on this forum who have more experience than I of HF - I;m sure they will be along soon.
You could try phoning the helpline nurses to ask them about your situation.
Morning Tony same happened to me told recently 35 percent but on speaking to cardiac nurse it doesn’t come from the place of 100 lpercent it comes from 50 to 55
Where do these doctors get their training? You need a new cardiologist, a heart working at 40% is not normal. One who has a better bedside manner is what you need, a "proffessional".
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