I detest the the Heart Failure as it does not truly describe the condition and needs changing but I doubt the professionals can be bothered.
As many of you will know I have serious issues my right foot/lower leg (in fact my only foot). Spending most of my time in a wheelchair I tend to develop a fair amount of oedema (lymphedema) during the day. Anyway I was at an outpatients when one of the staff (neither a doctor nor a nurse) asked if I had any heart problems. When I said I had had a heart bypass they said "That's the reason you have heart failure". When questioned further they said that anybody with a heart issue had heart failure. I could not be bothered too pursue this but thought it utter tosh. Afterwards I realised I should have as how many people think this or are being told this?
Written by
MichaelJH
Heart Star
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Michael so sorry to hear you're really going through it, interesting though what that person said. I have not heard of someone who has had a bypass being told that's why they have heart failure. I wouldn't dwell on what this person said I think you have enough to cope with.My sister's husband is a C4 quad and I can't tell you how many times he's been on intensive care and his determination and courage never cease to amaze me.
Despite all your coping with I think you should give yourself a pat on the back, you truly are strong and courageous.
I totally agree Michael its not an appropriate term at all. I technically have 'heart failure' post acute myopericarditis. It felt life a death sentence when I was diagnosed yet my health was slowly improving 🤷🏻♀️
I am very greatful to people on here who share their reassuring stories of living with HF.
You have more than enough to cope with, its exhausting to keep fighting. But how depressing that a Dr thinks that 🤦🏽♀️ and doesn't actually understand the term correctly!!!
I agree, that's an absolute load of tosh!! So many medical people, mostly GP's have absolutely no real idea of what heart failure (HF) really is!! I've previously read comments on here that a GP said all heart complaints are called HF! I've also seen comments that because someone has had a HA and has some damage to their heart their GP has said they have HF!!
I really despair sometimes when I read these things, no wonder people hear that diagnosis and panic. HF is diagnosed by specific tests. My husband had a massive HA resulting in quite a lot of damage, he certainly didnt have HF until 15 years later!
I do have to say though that the term HF does actually describe the condition for some people, sadly my husband's heart is failing & and that is affecting his other organs so for him & others who have severe HF the term is correct!
got to agree. It is really annoying especially when I apply for travel insurance. First question: do you have heart problems. Answer no all fixed had a triple bypass after a stent fitted to unblock artery which caused my heart attack.
Second question: do you have high blood pressure. No on medical to prevent it. I was never diagnosed with high blood pressure.
🤷♂️ your labelled having heart failure despite being fixed
You would be surprised at how many Doctors and even Surgeons do not like all heart conditions to be under the umbrella Heart Failure I have had conversations with both and they disagree with it been used unless you have got it but it is what they have to put it under according to what they say
I was shocked though when I was told I had heart failure because I thought I have had a Triple Bypass why are you now saying I have heart failure ?
They did explain which in my case when I had my heart attacks part of my heart got damaged which nothing could be done about and now that does not work so that was why
I am sorry to hear you seem to be struggling still I think your last post mentioned you were looking at a property with hopes it might be better for you as you have not said I will take it that it may have not been suitable which I am sorry if I have guessed that right
I think if people are told they have heart failure they should ask to explain to them why they have
When I was discharged from Bart’s the Heart nurse was reluctant to call mine heart failure. She said it was a big umbrella and I had a low ejection fraction.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Abnormal ECG, Do I have heart faliure.
Can the heart really get better?
Told it was a panic attack when I was in fact having a heart attack 
Just been told I have heart failure
Why I need to have a heart attack !!!
