Does anyone have experience of having heart failure improve or coming out of it? I Know it is a reduction in heart capacity, but in theory, if treatment assists the heart to improve ejection fraction ~(such as in cases of AVR), then can people have that status reversed?
Thanks Seaguller
Medication and/or an ICD can improve matters, but all cases are different. The important thing is to follow advice on diet and exercise levels to give the best possible chance.
I had severe heart failure over 3 years ago, with EF of 27% and LV enlargement. My EF is now 44% and LV is back to normal size. I will always have heart failure but it can improve with meds and lifestyle changes. Although every case is different.The ICD will not improve it, it is an insurance against cardiac arrest.
How quick after the heart attack were you given the diagnosis of heart failure
Around 4-5 days. They kept me in hospital and did all the routine tests - angiogram, MRI etc and none of them showed anything. Finally they did the echocardiogram which showed heart failure. Although they've never been able to establish the cause
Thanks. If you'd don't mind me asking, what medication are you on and how often do you see your HF nurse?
I saw my HF nurse once a month initially, sometimes more for blood tests. Then every 3 months, but I spoke to her on the phone a lot and still do. TBH she's been amazing. I've even emailed her from abroad a few times.My meds are: bisoprolol, furosemide, spironolactone, dapagliflozin, entresto, atorvastatin and aspirin.
I've also had echos at least every 6 months.
Had an ICD fitted in Jan this year.
Hope this helps
I had HF after an attack ten years ago. After a few days in hospital I was told that my EF had gone down to about 10%, but was discharged now it was 12%
In a few weeks an echocardiogram revealed it to have risen to 31% and was recommended an ICD. I haven't had any more info since, so I'm hoping it might have improved still further.
I have worn the ICD ever since and am now due to have its battery changed soon.
Hope this helps, as it shows you can recover a decent amount of functionality.
I think MDR1 said it all really.
Can I suggest you join PumpingMarvellous on FB - it’s a brilliant organisation group especially for people living with HF Very friendly, supportive and informative 👍
I had a heart operation last year (Oct) and saw a letter in Feb time this year saying my EF was 20%. I was put on the lowest dose of Entresto (the all singing all dancing, wonder heart drug!). I had an echocardiogram in October this year and though not told officially, but asked the community cardiac nurse for the results, which she said the readings were 50-55% 😱🥰 … and at 55% you are signed off from HF … but not heard anything since
Can I ask what surgery you had please?
Mitral valve replacement
Thank you. Did they say mitral valve issue was cause of reduced EF?
My surgery shall we say didn’t go too well (ended up with 3 in 24hrs … cardiac arrest … 7 weeks in ICU in a induced coma… lots of other complications … 3 months stay in hospital) … so I think it’s all that, that caused the low EF…. But it has improved in my last echocardiogram in Oct (still waiting for the official results) but have been told it’s now 50-55% due to Entresto and at the lowest dose (am on 6 other tablets as well)
The community cardiac nurse said @ 55% you’re signed off
Hi there in late april I started feeling out of breath & had been wheezing at night, was originally treated for asthma but after having xray showing enlarged heart i was sent for ecg & echocardiogram , i was diagnosed with severe HF 7th july. this year EF 24% was in shock couldn't think of any questions at the time, was put on ramipril started seeing heart nurse 19th July At 1st I was seeing her Twice per month & having bloods done every 2 weeks to make sure meds were not affecting my kidneys, now once per month, my meds were prescribed & monitored by the nurse i am able to contact her when i have a wobbly too, i kept chasing up for an mri to give me some answers had that done nov 8th then had my results dec 9th. Now my EF is 49 % i now am classed as having mild HF they cannot explain what caused it maybe a virus !! I have been following a healthy lifestyle walking more eating well, i need to remain on my meds but hopefully i will carry on improving, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, please don't google stuff just use British heart foundation BHF sites or pumping marvellous. Another good read wish you all the best
I just want to say thank you everyone for your positive responses, mine was 20% in June, am on all the meds, eating and drinking to plan, exercising as per heart rehab plan.
I am still awaiting my follow up with the heart consultant after it was cancelled in Oct, and despite feeling OK I am always wondering how am I really? (I would just like to know how much I have improved, as I have feeling I can improve even further).
I will get my apt sometime but I can wait in the mean time. Its posts like these that reinforce it's not the end of the world to have heart failure.
Thank you.
Hello Difficult question to answer.
Heart Failure can be With or Without a Preserved Ejection Fraction. I think but not 100% sure if the outcome can be different from which you have !! Hopefully someone will be along who can explain in layman terms I could look up Wikipedia but it is quite complex.
I know in my case CRT has been looked at and I believe the QRS gap on an ECG is a indicator of what to do next, last check I had was at 40% EF I have been down to 27 %. I have been told I am at the Maximum ( for me ) of Medication mid dose of Entresto and 7.5mg Bisoprolol I have been at 10mg Bisoprolol but HR came down to 33 BPM and I started to get pauses of 3 seconds of my Heart Beat. So Heart Failure is a very complex subject
NYHA chart is a very good indication of severity of Heart Failure which I believe is what is used to determine the way forward on a scale of1 - 4
Regards and Merry Christmas
I had an ECG in June that said 41%, so technically n heart failure? It also says the they are looking ta whether it is stenosis on the valve or prosthetic mismatch (valve been in for 25 years!), so hoping that fi this is addressed it will resolve the issue? Had MRI in September and not heard anything and also phone review put back from 10.12.2021 to 28.10.2022, so can I assume not urgent yet? anyone else similar experience? What treatment was issued?Not impressed with review in June as consultant said very little, so left feeling really anxious and scared!!!!!
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