Recent echo after A/F diagnosis

[benjyboy]

Had a 3X CABG 19 years ago ( I'm 69 now) and just 3 months back had a bout of A/F which was treated with the usual Bisoprolol and Warfarin (bad reaction to Apixaban so that was a no go). Had the echo 3 weeks ago and was given the results yesterday - valves working well but Ejection fraction down to 40 and a diagnosis of moderate heart failure. Waiting to hear what they prescribe for this, but my question is will a new medication improve the heart function significantly? I do get the fatigue issues others have reported and some sensation of breathlessness although not desperately so. I guess I am hoping that I will be able to get back to increasing the intensity of my exercise with the new meds when prescribed. What can I reasonably expect?

[Putterguy]

Hi benjyboy, my EF at diagnosis was between 10 and 20% with AF. Severe heart failure. That was Dec 2021. I wasn’t too bad with breathlessness, definitely had a feeling of breathlessness. My medication was optimised over the following 12 months and i was put on The usual meds including Entresto. I had a cardioversion in March which so far has worked and I’m still back in Sinus rhythm. Had a letter from my cardiologist on Friday informing me that my left ventricle is now pumping in the normal range and there were no other significant concerns and therefore no need for a defibrillator that had been arranged. So to answer your question yes it is possible to increase your heart function with medication, heart procedures and lots of exercise. Not everyone will benefit but it is possible. Hope this helps.

[benjyboy in reply to Putterguy]

Thanks for this reply Putterguy - encouraging news. I will report back on this forum once I know what the medics have decided is the correct course of action.