Just been diagnones with moderate heart failure.

[Shimmer-sparkle]

Hi all, I had an echo scan during a routine pre op for my gallbladder in December however the doctor called that day to drop the bombshell that I have moderate heart failure. I am in complete shock I am only 40. Feeling very overwhelmed at the minute. I have been started on Bisoprolol and Enaparil, I have developed a chronic dry cough which is doing my head in. Is this normal? thanks.

[RufusScamp]

A cough seems to be a side-effect of many of the heart failure drugs, but your heart's slight inefficiency (which is all that HF actually means) may also be a cause. If they feel your case is enough to refer you to a cardiologist, they will probably adjust your meds to find the best combination.

I went from having severe HF to being discharged, thanks to exercise, diet and meds. It's natural to be worried at the news, but treatments are improving all the time, so all the best to you!

[Shimmer-sparkle in reply to RufusScamp]

thank you 🙂

[NYA2019]

I found exercise the key to helping me manage my side-effects. I joined a gym/PT group and exercise 3 hours per week with them. Get your GP to refer you to the Cardio Rehab team (assuming there is one in your area), they will assess your physical fitness and should be able to give you a list of Phase IV Gym instructors. These instructors have all been training in the needs of heart patients and are excellent. You will also meet others with similar conditions as yourself which will be a great source of support at the Phase IV sessions

Have they told you what the likely cause is your HF? If you/they know, surgery may be able to fix what's going on?

[Shimmer-sparkle in reply to NYA2019]

Thanks for your reply, when I spoke with the HF nurse she says it may have been COVID that has caused it but cant be 100% certain. I will definitely speak to my GP about the gym. I am a member of one however stopped until I got my diagnoses as i was a bit frightened to go in case I passed out etc. I think fear is holding me back a little. I will just need to adapt to my new life. I am really struggling with the fluid restriction. The nurse didn't say anything about surgery so I'm not even sure if that's an option. I am waiting on a appointment to see the cardiologist.

[Hidden]

Hello Shimmer.

Yes a cough is a symptom of heart failure but also can be a side of heart meds.

2019 I had a cough leading up to a suspected heart attack with tropopin levels at 2500+. This lead me to have severe heart failure with 12% ef rate. I was done for and at only 35 years old! One of the fittest around, ex military, worked security, 80+ hours a week! Dad of 2 with teenage kids. So you can imagine the impact that has had.

Fast forward a few years and i had ejection rate of 40% classed as moderate impairment LV function. Its been a brutal journey but its not the end... Its close but not there yet mate.

With your age and help from the experts you can still live a good long life. So I've been told. Keeping active is key but also balancing out rest with exercise is important. It sucks especially being 'young' ( i always used to think 40 was old when i was a kid lol. Now I'm here ans struggling with heart failure, guess i was right all along).

But the hardest part is the mental battle. Accepting your condition and making the best of a poor situation. But groups like this and talking to family and friends is key to staying sane. That's what iv found anyhow. If its affecting work and financial aspect then its so important getting that squared away ASAP. Dont do the mistake i did and leaving it a year thinking things are going to return to normal.

Good luck