Dealing with heart failure

[blueowl1950]

Hello everyone, I am new here.

I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 20 years ago and that has now developed into heart failure, with an EV function of 37%.

Heart failure is an emotive term and I wonder what kind of progression I should expect.

[Lezzers]

Hi blueowl1950

Heart failure is an awful description it really just means your heart needs a bit of help pumping. With healthy lifestyle choices, healthy diet, exercise (as agreed with your medical team) and meds, there is no reason why you shouldn't live a normal life & lifespan, there are people in this forum who've lived with HF for many years. My husband was diagnosed in 2012 & his EF is currently 30. Your EF can sometimes be improved with meds etc, but don't get hung up on the numbers, cardiologists are more interested in your symptoms. Some people have higher EF's and have very few symptoms whereas other have been known to have lower EF's and are symptomatic. If you're in the UK, under NICE guidelines you should he referred to a HF nurse, if they're available in your area. If you haven't been referred ask for a referral, they're great for support, prescribing meds, giving advice on how to keep well etc. Also, don't Google anything as most of the info out there is completely wrong, stick with the BHF, NHS & Pumping Marvellous websites. I do recommend having a look at the patient led heart failure charity Pumping Marvellous, great site for info, advice & support as is there closed facebook group of the same name, very friendly & helpful group.

[blueowl1950 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you. That is a lovely introduction to the site. I have had other responses too, which is great and I will be assimilating them all and responding. Each one has told me something I didn't know: yours refers to specialist heart failure nurses, which is news to me. I live in Sheffield and will be making enquiries about their availability here. Thank you as well for the recommendation for other sites, which I will seek out.

[Prada47]

Hello Blueowl you been out in the cold or did you get dyed lol

You have just asked the $64000 question that I don't believe anyone can answer.

When I asked my Heart Failure Nurse the same question she just said we don't know, but you will know if it is progressing as symptoms will deteriorate. Like you can walk 2 km without problems and then it will become 1.5 km over time and you will want to stop earlier or words to that effect.

I think age is very relevant when analysing Heart Failure and progression. My Heart Nurse also said there is a very good chance something else will get you long before the Heart Failure might. I am 72 with a current EF of 43 % it has been down to 27 % !!

I have also had by pass surgery and later stents we will all progress at different rates depending on the answer to the $64000 question. Lezzers has given you some very good pointers as to further help, but this community is pretty good at giving advice without worrying people over what can be a tricky diagnosis to deal with.

Medication is getting better and better for dealing with Heart Failure as it is becoming one of the reasons for Hospital Admittances now as the population gets older. Entresto being one of the latest meds.

Best Regards

ps I live quite well with Heart Failure and it hasn't stopped me doing anything I want to do albeit a little slower at times LOL

pps Try not to use Dr Google sometimes I think he should be struck off for being so behind the times