Hi everybody. I was diagnosed, unexpectedly, with severe heart failure approx. 6 weeks ago. I have started medications, Bisoprolol, Eplerenone, Atorvastatin, Ramipril, Ranolazine and Aspirin. I am due an Angiogram on 8th March. As I am still waiting for my Angiogram things haven't really been explained to me yet as I am presuming we are waiting for the results of this? What I want to know is how you balance your exercise and rest? I want to try and help myself as much as I can and I have read that we need to exercise to help the heart but how do I know if I am doing more damage than good? Apart from the obvious of chest pain etc. I'm really quite confused at the moment so any help would be greatly appreciated to give me a nudge in the right direction.
Thank you for any advice you can share.
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Jaskei
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You could do some gentle exercise, like a brisk walk. I was told not to get so out of breath that I could not converse. certainly don't risk overdoing it until you have some results.
With difficulty! You only know how much is too much when you’ve actually done too much so it’s hard to know. As others say, listen to your body and don’t push it until you’ve had your tests and got the results. Then ask about cardio rehab.
This is the struggle with me atm. I do get very tired but then just feel lazy when other people around me are busying themselves doing jobs so I attempt to do what needs doing. I suppose it is something that takes some getting used to when you have always been very independent and the one that is relied on rather thane being the one to rely on others.
Morning! Is the angiogram to find out what has caused the HF? I found in the early days of living with HF that short bursts of exercise were better for me than going all out! So a brisk 20 minute walk round the block meant that I could easily get home if I become too fatigued or had chest pains - and if ok, then a second 20 minute walk and so on. I was hopeless with inclines for quite a while (not that brilliant now, it has to be said). Its boring, I know, but the exercise is the point. But it is a question of listening to your body, and not overdoing it. Good luck with your angiogram, sounds like you are at the start of your investigations.
Hi yes it's early days for me I guess. I am doing exactly what you are saying only my brisk walks are not very brisk and I would definitely struggle with any incline so far. My angiogram is for investigations as to the cause but also to see if I would benefit from any stents being fitted or even having a bypass done. It's all very scary when it's the unkown, I am on a huge roller coaster ride at the moment, emotionally and physically which is why I am so glad I found this forum. It's good to know you are not on your own and read other peoples similar stories and also get help which does start to give you hope.
HI Jaskei I had a heart attack and had 2 stents fitted 18 months ago. Due to covid and lock downs it wasn't possible to go on the exercise classes recommended by my community nurse. I exercise at least 5 times a week doing cardio from YouTube "exercises for over 60's. Jenny Mcleod. Its fun and doesn't take up much space and I always feel much better and happierI do it at my pace. Good luck.
Hello having recent experience of this, I can relate to exactly what you are feeling.
Has cardio rehab been mentioned, if not when you gp or whoever get them to make a referral, these are the experts when it comes to the right exercise etc. It might take a number of weeks but I can tell you it is worth it.
Are you stable on your meds, as sometimes these need to be tweaked to get maximum benefit and this could always effect things.
In regards to exercise, I started my problems mid summer last year so the weather was much different, so please bear with me this is my experience and not advice from a medical professional. (I also purchased a exercise bike).
When coming out of hospital my consultant said I want you up and about, that was all I started with. Walking is a good start even if you only do 100 yards the first time you will hopefully feel better for it, and then just gradually increase it, (someone in the past previously gave a brilliant idea, aim for the next lamp post).
As people have said listen to your body. I now go the gym 4/5 times a week, only 40 minute sessions but I had a plan arranged by the heart rehab team. I have found out that 4 consecutive days was too much for me, so I aim to do 2 on and one off (the one off is my day to day life).
If you feel you have plateaued at a certain level don't think that it is, I found that my fitness plateaued (and I thought well that is my level), and then found when I least expected it after a week 10 days that I could start to do more.
Finally if you can't get out, then have a look on the internet for heart NHS rehab exercise (the ones I did were from my local NHS rehab team, i previously referred to), they are not necessary intensive but they are beneficial.
As I said this is my experience (with the help and support of my medics), and taking everything it to consideration, feel much better for it.
Thank you so much! As I am only a few weeks in and still waiting tests I am guessing this is why I have not heard anything about cardiac rehab, however I will certainly ask about this. I seem to be doing ok on the medication I have started but my cardiologist says I am on a low dose at the moment and the dose will need to be put up, however, he couldn't put it up on my 4 week schedule as my BP was too low! (I have never suffered with high BP) I only originally went to the GP with some breathing difficulty and small chest pains (March 2021) and when I finally got to go for my stress scan they couldn't carry it out as the initial scan showed I was in heart failure with 39% fraction. I was immediately put on medications so as to whether they are working or not I am stable on my meds, I am guessing so? I think I have a lot to learn.
It was a pleasure, glad to see you are in good hands and doing OK. Me to I didn't suffer from HBP.
Mine was 20% and I can honestly say at the moment as I said I actually feel petty good, (and considering where I was or thought I would be) I am actually amazed.
I have only a phone consultation with my consultant and and am awaiting a updated heart scan and possible pacemaker.
You have given me so much faith this morning. I have been advised also that further down the line I may need a pacemaker. I wish you lots of luck on your own HF journey and hope you continue to make good progress. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Hi, I had an angiogram and was told straight after the procedure that my arteries were clear, started on meds then went on to have an mri. I had to wait a few weeks for these results which showed an improvement in my DCM. During the wait I was offered rehab and counseling (After the angiogram). I changed my diet and stopped drinking socially. At the start my breathing wasnt great inclines were tough but I'd not long had covid too. To date I'm back in the gym and don't get as breathless I followed the advice given. Everybody's heart journey is different. Like others say listen to your body and advice given. Your in the right place for support it's such a wonderful group ❤️ I wish you luck, take care ❤️
I was admitted to hospital early dec and started cardio rehab in Feb. At that point I was advised to start with no more than a 45 min slow walk every day and build up from there. As others have said enquire about rehab as it allow you to exercise in a safe environment and helps mentally as well as physically. Good luck and stay positive.
Thank you for the advice, I will definitely hang on until I have spoke to my cardiologist at the beginning of March to be on the safe side. Good luck to you also 😊
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