Never been diagnosed with heart failure

[Milliebach]

Hi I’m new here, I’ve had hypertension for about 30 years for which I’ve had medication prescribed, about 10 years ago a nurse said out of the blue that I had heart failure, I said no nobody had ever mentioned it, she went quiet and did not say another word so I assumed she had made a mistake, during the pandemic I was told to shield, couldn’t understand why but my pharmacist told me that yes in fact I did have heart failure and that 2 of the medications I had been prescribed were in fact damaging my kidneys, I don’t understand because I’ve never had any tests or been to see a specialist, why had my doctor never explained the situation to me or told me what to expect.

[Hidden]

I think you need to have the conversation with your GP.

Although I am curious to know how the Pharmacist knows your kidneys are damaged without any sort of tests?

[Milliebach in reply to Hidden]

Sorry wrong choice if words should have used could damage my kidneys, not were damaging my kidneys

[Hidden in reply to Milliebach]

Ok. But how does the Pharmacist know you have Heart Failure?

You need to have a conversation with your GP as to whether or not you have Heart Failure! You should of had it 10 years ago.

I would also want to know what was the reason for you shielding, HF alone would not warrant it!

[Arrowe in reply to Hidden]

Pharmacists now get a copy of your discharge report from hospital. For me that has been really useful. My pharmacist tells me that he has been receiving reports since February and that it was a government decision.

[Hidden in reply to Arrowe]

Not from 10 years ago!

[Milliebach in reply to Hidden]

Pharmacist said she know I have heart failure because I’m on 4 different tablets for blood pressure control, as I’ve never been officially diagnosed by anyone ,to my knowledge ,I guess it’s standard practice, but I’m definitely going to have a chat with my doctor.

[Hidden in reply to Milliebach]

Sorry but they cannot diagnose from what meds you are on! You do need to discuss with your GP.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Yes, your GP could clarify. Have they never mentioned it in the last 10 years? Have you tried to discuss it with them?

[Milliebach in reply to Kristin1812]

No , doctors have never mentioned it , I have my usual blood pressure check at 6 monthly intervals and that is it , I’m going to have a chat with my GP about it.

[Davewm]

Hi there. I had a Triple Bypass and Mitral Valve Repair in 2019. Still have a slight leak on the valve. I became more breathless last September so GP organised some tests. One of these was a NT-proBNP test. The results said 386pg. As I understand less than 100 means no heart failure so I was concerned. I was referred to cardiologist but had a January appointment cancelled due to covid. I collapsed 4 weeks ago with BP 84/48 by the time the paramedics arrived. Hospitalised for 3 days - discharge Letter diagnosed Heart Failure. I’ve just had the results from a blood test last week and it’s now at 416pg. I was told last year I didn’t need to shield. I’ve also now got stage 2 chronic kidney disease. I’m now waiting to see the Cardiologist again.

Maybe you GP will be looking to organise one of these tests to confirm your diagnosis.

Keep safe and well.

Kind regards

David