Confused after Discharge from Cardiac Care

[Deels7]

Hi All. I was diagnosed with LVSD with EF of 40% in June. Also significant coronary calcification. Consultant was very sombre, and said he was very sorry he had to give me this news. Then followed five months of worry, and crippling anxiety, until I had Cardiac virtual app. This was very poor, but Dr said I would have further Echocardiagram and Angiogram. Received letter yesterday, to say recent Echo was 55-60%, and I was discharged from care. Not even having Angiogram now, to look at my calcified arteries. Still got chest pain, and other symptoms. I should be celebrating, but feel really confused, as to how my heart was alledgedly so poor, and now nothing wrong with it. Has anybody had anything similar happen. Thank you.

[Deels7]

Thanks Gimble.I will take a look…

[Hidden]

Hi,I have to say, I'm a bit surprised that you've been discharged, which has presumably been based on the findings of your latest Echo. Just my opinion, but, I'd have thought they'd still go ahead with the Angiogram, particularly given your ongoing symptoms.

I won't diss the Technicians carrying out an Echo, but, I'm of the opinion that, an Echo is only as good as the person doing it, with some better than others, and there interpretation of the results. As an example and i have other, my latest Echo (No.38), the Technician had me down as having severe regurgitation, which given my history rang a few alarm bells. On review the Cardiologist changed it to minor regurgitation. Luckily, it didn't go anywhere other than between them and myself, I can laugh it off, but, not everyone can.

I'm of a similar mind to Hidden , in that there seems to be a lot of stock put on the EF%, and not always listening to how the patient feels. I've had multiple surgeries going back to the early 90s and I'd never even heard of the term EF until last year.

Best wishes

Heed

[Deels7 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Thank you for your reply. Yes, I would have felt better if they had continued with my angiogram. Then I would know that all my recent procedures have taken place, and the results were promising. It’s a little disconcerting knowingI have just been discharged, without even speaking to anyone. I am going to get a second opinion, if possible. I think you are right, they do seem to be more interested in EF, rather than your symptoms..Good luck on your journey…Thanks

[Silvertail in reply to Deels7]

My cardiologist says the EF result could be 5% either way of the figure given. Depends on the technician reading the report.

[Hidden]

GIMBLE. Thanks for all your help, much appreciated. I feel much better for reading the posts