New diagnosis of hf

[Forrest14]

Hi 1st post for me My brother had a heart transplant at 39 due to severe heart failure (he is now 2 years post op and doing amazingly) so I went to see to the Dr to get checked after his team suggested it. I'm 39 and just been diagnosed with hf, my ef is 32%, I am asymptomatic so far. I have been prescribed medication and having that tweaked every 4 weeks atm. I am pretty healthy and active but am also currently awaiting ankle surgery due to a previous accident.

Honestly not sure what my point is just wanted to reach out to others in a similar situation

Thanks all

[Tos92]

Hi Forrest14

Welcome to the forum. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Please don’t be alarmed by the term “heart failure” as many others will tell you on here. You will also find that there are members with a lower ejection fraction than yours and a lot of people can reverse some of the effects of heart failure through medications. People go on to live mostly, normal lives after making some lifestyle changes as well to assist with the medication routine.

I know it’s scary to be told this when you first hear of it, but please know you will be okay. Follow your doctors advice as far as medication goes and you may see an improvement to your ejection fraction. I believe the normal range is between 50%-70%.

You’re not alone and others will be by to share their stories of heart failure I hope.

All the best.

Tos

[Forrest14 in reply to Tos92]

Thank you 😊

[Anon2023]

hi. Welcome to the forum. As Tos92 said, heart failure is an awful term and is widely used to cover a multitude of conditions. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your heart is on the verge of stopping. I’m sure that you will already know a lot about heart health due to your brothers health problems. Ef can improve and there are many new medications available to help with this. I have heart failure but my EF is back in the normal zone now due to the meds I am taking. I’m also told by the cardiologist that EF is just one measure of heart health and that symptoms are more important. As you are asymptomatic I would say that things are probably nowhere near as bad as you fear. You will get lots of support on this forum so if you have any questions please just ask. Xx

[Forrest14 in reply to Anon2023]

Thank you 😊