Nervous to change medication

[Cinders123]

Following a STEMI Heart Attack I have a LVEF 30 %. I read about Entresto helping increase the EF and asked about the drug at Cardio Rehab. The nurse has just advised me that I am suitable to try it to see whether it helps my Heart Failure and now I don't know what to do... I am on a waiting list to have an ICD and I am now thinking is there a reason my Consultant hasn't put me on Entresto? I am in my 2nd week of a phased return to work and don't want to be worrying. I am so sorry to ramble! x

[RufusScamp]

I had an EF of 20% 2 years ago. With an ICD and Entresto it has improved to 60%. They might want to see the effect of the ICD first. I hope you hear something useful soon.

[Cherrelleford]

Hey.I have an ICD and I've now been on entresto for a year my EF is 15% and not changed or improved yet. I've been given another tablet to work alongside the entresto at the request of the heart transplant team.

Hope you get the medication you need and ask your heart nurse if you are worried, they are amazing.

[Dave678]

My EF was 30-35 after my last HA in March 2021 and still the same 6 months later in Sept - so the Consultant suggested I could have an ICD fitted. I mentioned Entresto might help the EF (as per my Health Nurse) and I was put on a 49/51 doseage. Will see if the Entresto has worked or not at my next Echocardiogram or MRI - but certainly worth a try, if they’ll let you, before going straight into having an ICD fitted.

Could be worth having a chat with your Consultant + I also take Dapagliflozin which I understand can help EF - although it didn’t increase mine in a two month period up to last Sept.

[Hidden]

Dear Cinders123

I read with interest your post as we seem to be mirroring each other in our treatment.

My cardiologist has just put me on Entresto for the same reasons as you and my Heart nurse told me that it can only be prescribed by the cardiologist so don't worry there he/she will know about you being placed on it.

Like you I am in the pacemaker cue, I have been told that I am having a CRT-D fitted, Cardiac resynchronisation therapy with a defibrillator, god I can see why everyone writes this in short hand!

Hope that your not to worried about the upcoming procedure as I am looking at it as a bit of security for my continuing living.

Take care and if I can help in anyway please just ask

[Bertran]

I had a STEMI ha and have a similar 33% EF , just started Entresto and on the list for an ICD. No guarantee that either will improve me but I feel I’ve got to give all options a chance. Survived the STEMI so nothing to lose, don’t worry just go with what feels right for you at the time

[sprayer1]

hi, the ICD will help in case you have a heart attack or your heart isnt beating right. it is very painful for about 1 weeks. i took tylenol 800mg. until it started feeling less sore. it hurt a lot! but it will get better.

[coop61]

Hi I was just reading your post and wondering if you have had your ICD and Entresto and how things are doing ! I am hoping my ICD will get fitted next week !

[Cinders123 in reply to coop61]

Hi, Yes I had my ICD fitted 4 weeks ago and am going back to the Heart Centre for a check up on 8 Aug 22, 🤞 all is good. The procedure went OK and I actually feel better mentally knowing I have a guardian angel now 😍 I do have an issue with sleeping as you have to keep your left arm lower than your shoulder for 6 weeks. Normally I sleep with both arms above my head so I am wearing one of my husbands Tee shirts and keeping my left arm inside! I am still taking the lowest dose of Entresto I think it's because my blood pressure is low although I am going to discuss with the HF nurse to see what they advise 🙂 I wish you all the very best for next week hopefully getting your ICD fitted. Keep smiling and enjoy every day 😍 xx