Hello

[Fudgster]

Hi there, I'm new to this, only diagnosed with heart failure this week. I have a lot of weight to lose which I have already started. Is it normal to have lots of anxiety and feelings of being out of control. I also don't feel ill or any different and finding it hard to believe. Anyone else felt this way?

[080311]

Hello Fudgster,

Welcome to the forum, being told we have a heart problem comes to most of us as a huge shock, I felt as if the ground had opened up under my feet and my world had been turned upside down. Being out of control about covers it! We are now in the hands of our cardiologist and cardio nurses. Taking medication that we have never had before, and the side effects that sometimes goes with them.

On the forum there is a range of heart issues I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done by open heart surgery that was 4 years ago and I am still here living my life. We have lots who have heart failure but things have improved for them with losing weight and their drugs someone will be along I am sure to tell you their stories.

Lots of us follow the Mediterranean diet recommended by the BHF it’s just a healthy way of eating and if you go on the website you will find lots of recipes that you can use.

Again welcome to the Hearties family.

Best wishes Pauline

[RufusScamp]

It is quite normal to feel shocked and anxious. I had this about 18 months ago. I was diagnosed with severe heart failure having complained of a chest infection. Medication seems to have things under control, but like you, I was not aware of any other problem. I was lucky in that the cardio team was operating well before COVID, but they are still being helpful now, by phone and the occasional visit, and recommending suitable exercise and diet. There is loads of useful information on this website, and dozens of helpful fellow sufferers.

[Squoozy]

Hello Fudgster,

My husband also has heart failure following a heart attack 3 years ago, and it was difficult at first to come to terms with it. My advice would be to take control of what you can control, and for most people that is usually diet and exercise. It’s amazing how much difference you can make and how much better you will feel, even though you say you don’t feel ill at the moment. You’re already on the way to doing that by trying to lose weight and seeing your doctor, and seeking support is also a big part of taking control. You will find loads of advice and support and different things to try and in time you will move from feeling out of control to feeling completely in control. I hope this helps

[Khan29uk]

Hello fudgster

Welcome to the forums and the hearties family -

I was diagnosed with heart failure in September 2020, complete shock, im 48 years old, i dont smoke and i don’t drink. My EF is 24%, i have enlarged heart and global thinning of my heart.

Medication im taking

Bisoprolol

Eplernone

Enstresto

Furosemide

Aspirin

I have changed my lifestyle in terms eating habit - Mediterranean diet, mostly lentils, vegetables fruits and fish (salmon, mackerel) nuts, seeds, avocado (instead of butter) and pure cold pressed virgin olive oil (not cooked).

I regularly exercise (gentle walks), im covering 3 to 4 miles a days (intervals) please advise if this is ok or too much. I was with water retention 91kg, my original weight was 84kg and now with exercise and complete change of diet i am 76.5kg, alot of difference, it can be achieved with total commitment. This is from December (this is when i was admitted to hospital for angiogram and mri scans etc) to present. Hopefully i am further reducing my weight so that my heart pressure.

This was all new to me, sometimes anxiety gets to me, i do get episodes, low blood pressure or low pulse rates, is this normal. I still do get anxiety or feeling out of control BUT this can be controlled- support of family, cardiologist, HF nurses, medications and above all true faith in yourself. You must believe in yourself that you are not alone in this. Like you, it was complete shock! To me - you must or try to control your stress levels (important factor). Take each day as it comes. On these forums you have very good support from the sites nurses (contact details can be found) and members, so ask any questions and there are good people who have similar issues one has they will answer to the best.

Im here to share my experience and i am very happy other good people are sharing theirs, and i think with support and reassurance from is a positive thing especially in these times of uncertainty.

Sami