LVSD diagnosis

[OldPlymothian1965]

Hi all,

This is a great forum full of excellent advice and personal experiences.

I’m 57 and in December was fine. Went on a winter hol, walked miles. New Year’s Eve, started to feel rough. Viral infection. Off sick for a week. By 19th, woke up feeling breathless and ended up in A&E. Long and short have been diagnosed with possible Pulmonary Hypertension and Echo suggests LVSD with EF 45%. Awaiting cardiology referral. On Bisoprolol, Ramipril, Atorvastatin and Aspirin. Feeling ok and trying to keep the steps up. Worrying and still trying to process. Is a sudden onset usual (as it seems to me)? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[OldPlymothian1965]

Hi Thatwasunexpected! Thank you for taking the time to reply and for the reassuring comments and explanation. I openly admit I’m no fitness guru, but long walks for me were my go-to exercise (especially living in Plymouth and close to the Moors), and it is a shock. I am now on the waiting list and hopefully the drugs will allow me to continue walking. I note your advice about not putting it down to feeling under the weather. I have done that so many times as I didn't really want to bother the GP. As an engineer I need to know why it’s happened and what’s caused it, but the medical professionals are focussed on treating. The “why” comes later I guess, and I get that. Cheers again!

[Prada47]

Hello

Very early days,

I have an EF of 38% and in my case it is classed as Heart Failure a very nasty description for something that can be managed. Just let the professionals do the tests to see what is happening, you will probably be offered an MRI which is a lot more accurate than an echo. A Bruce Protocol is another one they may consider which is just an Exercise Test to see how your Heart is functioning under stress. As has been said EF can just improve by it's self so just go with the flow, and as for the Why that can be an unknown well into the future lol

I do lead a pretty normal life with with the 38% and I walk the dog for an Hour everyday without any problem.

Ex St Budeaux for me !!

[OldPlymothian1965 in reply to Prada47]

Small world! Thanks for the reply and advice. Had a CT at A&E which initially flagged it. I expect more tests will be due once I am off the waiting list. For now, keeping on top of BP, Sats whilst drugs are tweaked. Have a nice 1 mile walk on the flat around Stoke to keep things moving. All the best, and thanks again!

[Prada47 in reply to OldPlymothian1965]

Used to live on Haddington Road, just round the corner from the pub. You could always use Ford Hill for your exercise lol or even run up Albert Road.

These Heart matters do take a bit of working out but I am sure your Cardiologist will be more than capable.

Wishing you all the Best

[OldPlymothian1965 in reply to Prada47]

Very small world! I live down the road near the train station! You remember Fairfax Terrace? I’ve done that before and Ford Hill, both sides of St Levan’s Road. Definitely gets the pulse racing!! Thanks again and take care!

[OldPlymothian1965]

The second Plymothian to reply today! Small world! You have certainly gone for it in terms of getting fit again. Agree about the Moors. Love South Moor but my target will be Meldon Reservoir to Yes Tor (once again!!). I’m most definitely taking this seriously!! I’m back to work this week (mainly from home) but will be doing the mile three times a day initially. Good luck in the triple jump! Just settling to watch Wales v Ireland in 6N. Good luck too!!!

[Prada47]

When we lived on Ford Hill it was close to the bottom just up from the traffic lights on St Levans road, so about 1/2 mile on the flat to St Levans gate if my memory serves me well lol

Regards

[OldPlymothian1965 in reply to Prada47]

Your memory does serve you well! An ex-Jan Dockie, per chance?

[Prada47]

No not a Janner Dockyard mate ex RN lol

[gkjowett]

I'm in the Peak District so equally used to hill walking. Like you had a very severe viral infection which predated the onset of extreme breathlessness on exertion such as climbing stairs or hills. I'm 75 and have a history of pulmonary embolisms and type 2 diabetes, so thought the breathlessness might be another blood clot. Turns out it was LVSD and some atrial fibrillation. Had EF of 42% and diagnosis of acute myopericarditis. My cardiologist prescribed diuretics and colchicine, which is usually a drug for gout(!) By the time my MRI scan appointment came though, the EF was up to 52%, so a significant improvement. The main thing I learned was that because I was so breathless, I stopped exercising properly and this was a mistake. Am now on a cocktail of drugs, probably responsible for the NHS funding crisis all on my own, but back on rowing machine and hill walks.

Most worrying part was getting letters and calls from the 'Heart Failure Clinic' and heart failure nurse. They don't call the orthopaedic department the Wonky Limb Clinic or Urology the Dodgy Waterworks Service, so why not just Cardiology or Heart Care Clinic?

[OldPlymothian1965 in reply to gkjowett]

Hi gkjowett! I love your point about the term “heart failure”. This seems to be a recurrent theme on these posts. At a time when you’ve been told there something wrong with the old “ticker” you don’t need to be told “it’s failed”! I am making a concerted effort to keep things moving. My short, repeatable walk is easy to use to judge how I’m feeling. The day after taking my first handful of pills it was a 24 minute mile. This lunchtime 17 minute mile with undetectable breathlessness. With working from home I can do this 3 times a day. Weekends will be venturing further! Thanks for your reply and for the humour! Take care!