Hi folks, I've just signed up to BHF as I don't know which way to turn at this second. I've been aware I've got an enlarged heart and high blood pressure, I'm in my late 30s, today I had an appt with a consultant cardiologist, who warmly sat me down and made me aware that I have an apparent death sentence, that I could drop dead in the next five years and might not make it much beyond that, despite a recent appt with a cardiac nurse being positive and with the nurse confirming that I'd gone from 'moderate to severe' to 'moderate' LVH.
I just wasn't aware that it was this big deal, I thought it was something that would improve and I'd just have to be careful moving forward and manage my blood pressure, now I feel like a dead man walking.
Does LVH basically mean I'm going to die at some point in the near future or is it something variable that can be managed to a degree. Any advice from other sufferers (or anyone with knowledge of it) would be gratefully received, I'm just floored right now
Hello and welcome to the forum! I know very little about your condition but believe you can survive for rather more years than your post suggests. Have you achieved a healthy blood pressure and with which drugs? A healthy lifestyle is particularly important as is a healthy BMI. Smoking is bad for anyone as it is a loaded gun, even more so for you. I am sure someone with more knowledge than I will be along in a while.
Hi Michael, thanks for the response, it's appreciated.
Blood pressure is not under control but lower than it originally was, I've just been prescribed some new beta blockers to try - I have real difficulty with leg cramps from BP meds but am currently on quinine, 10mg felodopine and 4mg doxazosin a day.
Smoking - used to smoke but stopped several years ago, vape instead.
Alcohol - I haven't drank for @ 15 years, does nothing for me.
BMI - High, on slimming world and recently got the 2 Stone award, a long way to go but underway.
Do you get the leg cramps when walking, if so it could be a sign of PAD (peripheral arterial disease). Smoking and diabetes are major factors in this.
I am glad SW is working for you. A friend's wife has lost over 10 stone on the program and is homing in on target weight. Weight loss also tends to reduce blood pressure so it is a win win situation.
It's more at night during sleep/rest, so hopefully it's not PAD :S Your friend's wife has done fantastically, I'll aim to emulate her success!
Vaping may still cause issues. I believe most vape pipes dose nicotine. Nicotine has a negative effect on the arteries. However It is better than smoking
The vaping has to go as well, I'm going to have to go all-out by the sounds of it.
Depends, if it’s keeping you off cigarettes 🚬 it’s about balancing risk. However if you can give up both that’s the best option. Not just heart patients either everybody.
Nicotine also raises blood pressure.