Heart Failure onset

[Sensei_Mark]

Does heart failure always occur over a prolonged period of time, or can it evolve very quickly?

I've had chest pains and various issues for some time. I saw a cardiologist about 5 weeks ago who diagnosed unstable angina possibly caused by coronary artery disease. I am waiting for further tests for this.

He did an ultrasound, but he didn't reveal/say much, only that I get an angiogram.

I've had cold extremities for some time, but no water retention, except my waist and hands, but I put that down to lockdown.

Today, I'm finding it very difficult to breathe. It's a conscious physical effort instead of the normal subconscious reflex action of the body. I've also developed a cough that's different to normal, with white, frothy phlegm.

Could the onset of heart failure be this quick?

I'm trying to get a 2nd opinion, but it's a nightmare trying to get to see anyone.

Any advice please.

[Sensei_Mark]

Thanks.

I wasn't trying to self diagnose, I just wanted to see if anyone had experienced the same.

I'll keep an eye on it. Here in Romania, there is no 111 and the a&e departments don't really care. Many people here actually die waiting to be consulted in a&e.

I am Brit though, hence using this forum for support and advice.

[gilreid1]

Have you changed your name ?

[Sensei_Mark in reply to gilreid1]

Yes. It was Furi_iki 👍

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

The phlegm you describe has many potential causes including COPD and heart failure. Heart failure can occur over time and has many causes from ageing to chemotherapy. It can also occur suddenly as the result of damage to the heart by a severe heart attack.

Fluid retention usually starts with around the ankles and lower legs but it a not a given. After my bypass I developed an electrolyte imbalance. I gained 9kg (of fluid). X-rays were taken as fluid in the lungs is serious!

You need to go to A&E and as a minimum have an X-ray to check for fluid on the lungs. Give us an update when you have been.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to MichaelJH]

Many thanks for the advice Michael

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Sensei_Mark]

Can I take it you did not go to A&E despite the fact you may have fluid on the lungs. Whilst Romania may not have a world class health care system I am sure a Chest X-ray would not present a problem.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to MichaelJH]

You'd be surprised at the hoops you have to jump through here. Just turning up doesn't work.

[Bonsai99990 in reply to MichaelJH]

Excellent reply

[hf54 in reply to MichaelJH]

me too mike they took off 10kg on intravenous diuretics!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to hf54]

On YouTube it would be called "The Never Ending Pee"! 😀

[Sensei_Mark in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael, I'm trying to get an x-ray in a private clinic. A&E here won't entertain it.

I'll keep you updated.

On the fluid retention, I don't have on my ankles/feet, but my abdomen and hands are swollen.

[daveofpensby]

Sound advice

[angel343]

just seen your post sensei hope you have been able to get the help you needed. I know how hard it is in the times were in it must be very difficult for you where you are and in the position you are in. Is there any way you can contact a heart advisor for there help as everyones symptoms can be different and it could be the heart but sometimes medications like ramipril can cause a cough and sometimes froth can come from stomach conditions. I really hope you can get the help you need take care.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to angel343]

Thanks for your concern.

No, there are no advisors like the UK. It's up to the patient to find a specialist.

In the state system here, I'll have to wait at least 12 months. I could go private, but having been laid off, it's mighty expensive.

[angel343 in reply to Sensei_Mark]

I understand what your saying its very difficult for you in your position, i just hope you can get some answers from somewhere keeping my fingers crossed for you that things get better. Take care.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to angel343]

Thank you. You too 👍

[hf54 in reply to Sensei_Mark]

how much is consultation in greece its only 50e-70e surely romania cant be excessively dearer

[Sensei_Mark in reply to hf54]

I've had a consultation with a cardiologist in a private clinic, but the recommended angiogram requires hospital, and a COVID-19 test. All in all, it's going to cost me around 2000€.

Obscene really. That's why 90% of the population can't get the treatment they need.

[Bonsai99990 in reply to Sensei_Mark]

This is horrible. I thought it was bad here. Speechless. Good luck to you. God, terrible

[fergusthegreat in reply to Sensei_Mark]

Better to be alive and able to re earn the 2000 euros than be dead and have 2000 euros in the bank. Obviously if you cannot afford it then that is very unfortunate but I would go privately as soon as you can as I had similar symptoms to you and needed a stent.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to fergusthegreat]

That's the problem.....laid off.

[DaveTR]

Hi,

As others have said, you need to be seen by professionals.

Not sure of your personal circumstances but if you've been laid off now what is keeping you in Romania?

[Sensei_Mark in reply to DaveTR]

It's nice here, and cheap (generally).

Nothing to go back to in the UK.

[Danceawaytheblues]

If you were my son or grandson I would say, come home. I hope that it works out well for you. Take care.

[Sensei_Mark in reply to Danceawaytheblues]

Unfortunately, my grandparents, parents and siblings have all passed. Some through heart issues (my mother's side), others through cancer (father's side).

Nothing to come home to.

[Bonsai99990]

Have you been tested for COVID19? Respiratory difficulty is a primary symptom of that. I'd almost think that first.

As for HF, can be acute or chronic (quick or slower). My father had no symptoms. But he had the angio which is gold standard & shows coronary artery occlusions. My father had 90% blockage in LAD 2 yrs ago. They did PCI (stent) & he's doing great. I'm not a doc.-- pre-med.

Still worried about COVID-19 with you. The very best of luck you'll be fine!

[Sensei_Mark in reply to Bonsai99990]

Thanks for the advice. But here, unless you're taken in as an emergency covid case, you have to pay serious money for a test.

[Bonsai99990]

Let us know if you can how you are.

[Bonsai99990]

Just wanted to make sure I told you to act as quickly as you can with unstable angina. I hope you get to your angiogram right away. Not trying to alarm, just to be safe. Take care my friend

[Sensei_Mark in reply to Bonsai99990]

I have seen a cardiologist, and unstable angina is diagnosed. However, other tests to establish the exact cause have such a long wait. The cardiologist is almost certain it's cad, but cad AND heart failure run in the family. None of my family that had heart problems never lived beyond mid 60's. My mother was 56. I'm just about to turn 55. Obviously I'm worried. But I just can't get the help I need.

My wife has tried to contact 5 other cardiologists in the past week. They either don't answer or tell us appointments are at least 6 months away.

Some may say get admitted as an emergency. Believe me, I've thought about it, however, other 'normal' doctors I've spoken to, don't trust the state doctors OR the hospital conditions, as the risk of infection is far worse than the condition itself.

[hf54]

yes it can straight to a and e please

[Sensei_Mark]

Well, this evening has certainly told me I need to be checked.

Just walked with my wife to the dentist. Not too far, about a mile (1.6km for some of us), and a gentle walk. We were trying to talk, but I could barely string a few words together without panting like I'd run a marathon.

More phone calls tomorrow.

A&E here couldn't give a monkey's a#$e.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll keep you updated.