Heart Attack

My ex-husband age 71 had a heart attack 4 weeks ago, 2 stents and they cleaned out a blocked blood vessel. He came home but was very breathless, diagnosis was water retention. A couple days in hospital he came home and seemed better but started having problems at night not being able to sleep flat, a couple of days ago he was worse with not being able to breathe and his blood pressure 200 over 127, ambulance took him back to hospital and 2 different cardiologists have come up with retained water and the other says an infection. He is now waiting for tests, still breathless but not as bad. They stopped his amlodipine after the heart attack and he,s on blood thinners water drugs Bisoprolol and many others. Does this sound like heart failure to anybody and has anyone had this after a heart attack? Thanks

[shopman]

You have to remember that none of us here are trained to diagnose conditions that arise in others. Some of us may have similar symptoms so can only comment on how that affects us. It is a good sign that they are going to run tests on him. You mention water retention - are his legs swollen, or his feet or ankles. Does he look bloated as if his stomach has expanded. You also mention water tablets - there are quite a few different ones around and a classic sign of knowing they are working is constant desire to pass water which can go on for a few hours.

For myself for similar problems I have Furosemide at a minimum dose of 80mg per day but can go up to 240mg if needed - if taking higher doses then frequent tests for kidney function is a must for me.

Has he had an echocardiogram - an ultrasound test to see how well his heart is functioning?

[Hidden in reply to shopman]

He is on frusemide and yes his stomach and ankles were swollen. I just been informed he has been for a scan. His kidneys aren,t working too well, they told him that after the heart attack! He is causing the family concern because he can,t sleep at night, he feels he can,t get his breath. Thanks for your reply!

[shopman in reply to Hidden]

If it is causing him concern the get him to contact 111 or if really urgent then 999. It may also be worth a call to the BHF Heart Helpline to have a chat with one of the nurses - available Mon -Fri.

[Hidden in reply to shopman]

He is already back in hospital since Thursday morning. I wondered if anybody else has experienced the breathlessness. Thanks

[Ptjet]

The only advice I have is what was given to me by the paramedics; call an ambulance if you are worried about anything, don’t hesitate. I’ve had to call previously and apologised to them as it turned out ok but they said not to worry, always best to call. Glad he’s in hospital now and I hope they can sort him out. Best wishes to you both.