Post hospital stay

[maggykriti]

I am confused. I spent two days last week at the hospital after breathing difficulties and chest pain. I had left sided heart failure with preserved ejection fraction diagnosed in January this year. Heart attack was ruled out and pulmonary embolism suspected after a positive D dimer test but not confirmed by CTPA. What showed up was some dilation and 'strain' on the right side of the heart. To look at this further I have an echo cardiogram booked. I saw my GP on Monday who was very pleasant and wants to increase my Rampiril from 1.25 to 5 MG daily. It seems at bit too much of a jump to me. Am I being over cautious?

I take 7.5 MG of Bisoprolol and 15mg Toresamide as daily, my heartrate is quite controlled now but my systolic pressure is still a bit high.

I'm new to all this and not sure how to handle it. I asked if there was any cardiac rehabilitation in our area and was told that it was only available after a heart attack. Instead I should walk each day to get my heart rate raised 50%. I want to do my best to stay well as long as possible but the fatigue makes this difficult.

[RufusScamp]

Your experience is not unlike mine. 2 1/2 years on, I am doing OK with a pacemaker and assorted meds. I was offered rehab, but COVID put an end to it. A daily brisk walk is a good idea. 5 mg of Ramipril is still a lowish dose.It isn't easy, but improvement is possible if you follow advice.

[Hidden]

Dear maggykriti

So sorry to hear that you had to stay in hospital over your breathing problem, but glad to hear that they have been able to stabilise your condition.

It seem by them ordering another echocardiogram that your tests are still ongoing.

Its hard to comment on the raise of your Ramipril but the amount raised is normal if they are trying to raise the dose to maximum { 5mg twice a day or 10mg once a day } but a quick call to your heart team will confirm the need for the increase, I suspect they are aiming to get you to a higher level if you can tolerate it.

Shame about the rehabilitation, bit Im past seven months bypass and no invite as yet. but having said that the walking you are doing is very good and you can add to that some mild exercises that the BHF recommend. They can be found on here.

As for how you handle all this, well that is the million dollar question that has just as many answers.

Mine is to believe what all our past sufferers have gone through and what the medical profession has learnt from them to help us now.

Take care, you are not alone

[maggykriti in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice, it is really helpful to hear how other's cope and know that we are not alone! I hope your rehabilitation comes along soon.

[Hidden]

My understanding is that modest exercise is a key component of cardio rehab. If you do not qualify for NHS rehab in your area the BHF organise a web based programme here.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

It goes without saying that we are all different and our response to newly introduced exercise will be different too. However if you introduce a daily exercise regime whilst slowly increasing what you do, your body will respond accordingly. I read somewhere that someone had increased their walking by as little as one minute per day, and whilst that might not seem much, over a month it is about 30 minutes. And finally a cheapish wrist worn heart tracker will help you keep track of your heart rate as you exercise, but these usually need to be linked to a phone app. The one I have is off Amazon, called Pro-Fit Active VeryFitPro Fitness Tracker ID115 Plus HR, and is more than adequate for what you need.

[maggykriti in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the useful tips and encouragement. I will work on the small increases and check the BHF program. My granddaughter sent me a smart watch as a gift two days ago so I'm wearing it and checking all the time!

[Seena2019]

Hi Maggykriti, i have similar problems as yours. Breathing difficulties since last 7 months i am not able to stay active. On some days I go for a walk that too with great difficulty and other days can't walk at all due to breathlessness. How are you feeling now?