Preserved LV function

[Ree72]

My Husband is home from hospital following a heart attack last Monday, he had his stay extended as he was started on warfarin, he had 2 stents in his lad artery. He also has LV thrombus which is the blood clot that he is taking warfarin for he will have to have this scanned in 6 months.

He was given his discharge letters, however the doctors didn't explain everything so I am just trying to trying to translate stuff, helps me cope better knowing what stuff means.

Preserved LV function is the one I can't figure out so if anyone can advise what this means good or bad I would be very grateful

[Ree72]

Thank you so much!!

[Lezzers]

In what context has the term 'Preserved LV function been used? I think you should ask your husbands medical team or the BHF nurses to translate the discharge papers in full. TWU is quite right when he says about the EF however, there are 2 types of heart failure, HF with reduced EF and HF with preserved LVEF.

Not for one moment am I saying your husband has HF but you should ask your husbands medical team and/or the BHF nurses to translate what is actually meant by preserved LV function on the discharge papers. Preserved LVEF may mean something completely different to preserved LV function.

Ps: please don't be concerned by the term 'heart failure' "it simply means the heart needs a bit of support.

[Ree72 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you Lezzers, it just said "LP echo, lv thrombus, preserved lv function" they only discussed the thrombus.

Will make sure he does double check with the doctors.

[Lezzers in reply to Ree72]

That's the trouble with discharge letters, they say very little! Is your husband under a cardiologist?

[Ree72 in reply to Lezzers]

No not that he has been told, he has to go back to the hospital in 3 months ( i thought it was 6 but is actually 3) for the scan but that is it, apart from going to the clinics for warfarin which will then be handled by our Gp practice and hopefully rehab when it is time.

Yes very little information on discharge letter and some confusing information regarding diet and warfarin but hoping the coagulation clinic will clarify more on that on Thursday when he has his first appointment.

[Lezzers in reply to Ree72]

Hope all goes well at the clinic on weds, I would be interested to know how your husband gets on if you don't mind posting. Are you allowed to go with him?

[Ree72 in reply to Lezzers]

Will certainly post again.

Unfortunately not allowed to go in, was also unable to visit him in hospital. I fully understand why they have the rule but it has made things that more harder as husband is understandably focusing at the moment on his immediate health so hasn't asked the questions I would have if I was there, if that makes sense. I know he is probably right in his way of thinking, it is me who finds it hard not having all the facts so being able to post here is a big help that I really appreciate.

[Thanksnhs in reply to Lezzers]

I wish they wouldn't give me discharge letters or even the clinic ones, there is so much on them I have no idea what they mean, googled it all once thought I was about to pop off, nurse phoned to say all results were fine for me, learnt my lesson there 🤔 char

[Lezzers in reply to Thanksnhs]

That is so true, I never Google I stick with my tried & trusted sources. It's too easy to find what you want to find (if that makes sense) and whilst some of the info may be true to some extent, it wouldn't necessarily apply to you & your condition as your condition is individual to you.

I did the Dr Google source originally and the vast majority of every site said my husband only had 5 years to live, complete tosh as that was back in 2012!

My husband has now been diagnosed with another medical condition, non heart related, and his medical team have given us a list of the websites to visit for accurate & up to date info in simple terms, makes dealing with these issues so much easier.

[Prada47 in reply to Lezzers]

Hi Lezzers

Quick question when they say preserved EF is that 100% preserved i.e. approx 55% EF or are you aware of a figure ?? I believe mine is now 43% even though on the NYHA scale I am chronic (no jokes please) Cardiologist wrote after my last consultation ( I feel we can't get him to the Highest level of Entresto ) So I am at Maximum Medication but with a 43 % EF !!!

Hands Face Space to Stay Safe

[Lezzers in reply to Prada47]

Hi Frank

I'm no expert on this but my understanding is with HFpEF then the EF is in normal range between 55-70. Kevins EF was 30 & his HF was moderate to severe. After a change in meds his EF went to 55, he still has HF as he still has significant damage to his heart but his HF is now deemed to be mild. However, on his last echo report there was mention of preserved EF, not sure if that means he's gone from HFrEF to HFpEF or if that's even possible (I think unlikely because they're 2 different conditions) hence my interest in the subject. Maybe something to ask on the PM site.

But would be interested to know where TWU found his info. My understanding has always been mortality was higher with HFpEF as it was a little understood condition but if that has changed then that's great news for those that have it.

[Lezzers]

I'm not sure prognosis comes into play with heart failure as such, it's a chronic condition for which there is no cure. However meds, diet exercise all help. The thing with preserved EF heart failure is its only just started to be recognised as HF, previously is was known as diastolic dysfunction, and its still a learning curve re treatment etc. More & more people are now being diagnosed with this but that's probably because it is now being more recognised.

Where did you find the info that HFpEF has a better prognosis?