Potential ICD

[Kazzer1]

Hi

My husband has just had a letter following his latest echo cardiogram and apparently his ejection fraction is now 32 (it was in the 40s last year). The letter has stated that he's being considered for an ICD and he's very stressed about this. Firstly, is there anything he could be doing to improve his ejection fraction or is this something that just reduces in time? Also, he's not sure exactly what an ICD does and wanted to ask if there is a true benefit of having one fitted. He is seeing his GP on Friday about another matter and will ask then but I thought it was worth asking your opinions on here as you've all been so helpful in the past!

Thanks very much

[Hidden]

Dear Kazzer1

So sorry to hear that yet again your household has been thrown into confusion and worry at your husbands latest letter regarding his Echocardiogram readings and the talk of a ICD fitted.

You have to remember that I am not medically trained but have also follow a similar pathway of your husbands.

I personally think that it is to soon to worry as you both have not been given all the information as to why your Cardiologist has thoughts about going down this path, if that is the case.

Consideration for a ICD is different from a recommendation and you and your husband will, in a little while, be told why that is so.

Your husbands GP may or may not be able to supply those answers as they have already referred you to the Cardiology dept and they { GPs } tend to let them sort out this type of diagnosis.

There are certainly various medications that can help the heart gain a better ejection fraction, but these are questions that can only be answered by the specialists in this field.

I wish I could take the worry from you both at this time, but soon you both will have all the information on hand for you to make your own decisions on how you should proceed, at the end of the day it will always be your choice.

And we are always here to help.

[Kazzer1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your kind words - and of course you're right, we need to wait to see what is said if and when my husband sees the cardiologist, but of course as soon as my husband gets a letter like this, we go into panic mode! Thank you for your sensible reply - I'll keep you posted once we know what's what.

[Prada47]

Hello

Just to say there are a few different things that could mean an ICD is being considered, I think I am correct in saying an EF of 36% is a starting point but only if NYHA scale is 3 !!!

LBBB I believe is also another reason. The Cardiologist wouldn't consider an ICD if he /she didn't think it would help.

Has your husband been on Entresto and if you don't mind me asking how old is he. Curious because my EF has also dropped but from 44% to 39% and I have been on Mid Dose Entresto for a couple of years now. I am starting to think an Ageing Heart may be the reason for the reduction in EF lol Hope it all works out for you soon.

Best Regards

[ILowe]

This is really two questions.

Some people do improve their ejection fraction. Therefore it is worth asking your health professionals what you can and cannot do in your case.

In my case it has meant a daily walk of at least 20 minutes. I have experimented with the best times of day. I find 11am easier than 6pm. I like to sit down after 10-15 minutes for 5 minutes, then walk again, and I find the second bit easier than the first.

For an ICD, in Wales, they have a specialist hospital nurse. She gave me an initial phone consultation then I had a face to face discussion, with my wife present. She presented the information, including showing me what exactly it looks like. She also left the possibility of further questions by phone (you always think of your best questions after an interview!!). My nurse was able to discuss risk, for and against. I really appreciated it. She even understood my decision making quandary and anxiety.