Scary new diagnosis

[whisperit]

Hello

At 63, I've had autoimmune problems for several years which have steadily led to my becoming housebound. Last week, I had a Cardiology review which turned up unexpected but pretty advanced heart disease. My review letter arrived today and says I have "severe LV impairment" with "cardiomyopathic disease". I had never heard of BNP before, and wish I hadn't googled it, because my level is 2300!

I've been started on candesartan, bisoprolol and dapagliflozin.

My question is - does reducing BNP levels improve prognosis, or is it just "window dressing?

Is there anything apart from the well know healthy diet advice I can do to improve my prospects?

Thanks

[BobsBeat]

I think you may be referring to BNP? I'm not sure what BNF is. There are two types of Brain Natriuretic Peptide blood tests, to see if the levels are higher than they should be. Your levels are elevated, which means your heart is naturally compensating for working too hard by releasing BNP proteins. With appropriate treatment and monitoring, the BNP level can decrease. It is a real marker that your heart is improving (not window dressing) and doctors will use the BNP to monitor progress. Adhere to your cardiology program. It sounds like you're on the right track.

[whisperit in reply to BobsBeat]

Thanks BobsBeat

Yes, I do mean BNP! Maybe I was confusing it with the British National Formulary!! That's helpful info - there's a lot to take in when this kind of thing is new.