How long will heart medication work for...

[Mrs-dod]

Hello, I posted on here a few weeks ago. I couldn't remember my password details so I was a little slow to reply at the time but was very thankful for the responses, I really was. I was in a very bad way and messages from you helped me. My husband who is fifty was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy due to previous cancer treatment (more than likely). It's been an awful time as the nurse told us to focus on quality of life. Having seen a consultant again recently he has made us feel a little calmer and has told us how he can see my husband has responded well to meds (his ejection fraction has gone from less than twenty percent to 36 percent which is very encouraging) my question is will he always respond well to medication? Can this medication work for him for many years and years? Many thanks xx

[Happyrosie]

Let us look at this another way - how can you and your husband live your best lives now? I wouldn't be surprised if you are in charge of your family's diet - well, if so, you can ensure that it's as good as can be (see BHF website for lots of information on this). You can perhaps exercise together - go for walks in the countryside? Join the National Trust? Join a local walking group? The question of your husband's future health is, really, down to him - and of course to you.

How he might react to the medication in future years I don't know. What I do know is that my husband had a 'cardiac event' in 2002 and here he is 22 years later, well and happy.

Other than that, your question is a medical one really so the cardiac team at the hospital might be able to give you more information - but we cannot foresee the future.

[LadyZ13]

I'm also curious about this. A congential defect led to a heart attack and I was put on a tonne of heart meds last March. I was 38. I had open heart surgery and now am in right side heart failure and my consultant said I can expect to stay on medication to support my heart for the rest of my life. However I know there are risks of damage to organs, specifically my kidneys. I'd be interested to hear from anyone else who has been long-term on heart meds (20-40 years??) or who has had heart failure diagnosed in their 30s or 40s?

Fortunately other than what the scans show I am fit and well, fully active and working. Long may it continue! The prognosis seems to be 'take everything a day / week / month at a time' and see how you respond. I know they can change your drugs if you don't respond well to them, and that there are new / more expensive meds that they try if/when others aren't effective. So hoping there's a long runway ahead of me!

[Coffeeandwalnut]

sorry but I think it’s rubbish for the nurse to say focus on quality of life! I obviously don’t know your whole details but I have lived with dilated cardiomyopathy and a low EF for over 17 years so far! I will be taking my medications for life and I also have a CRTD implanted. New medications are often found snd then added to the mix and obviously devices as I have. My advice is to find a specialist in dilated cardiomyopathy who has the latest up to date information. I go to st Bart’s in London but there are lots of others. Join cardiomyopathy uk (brilliant for truthful information) and read up on the information available. you can speak to a cardiomyopathy nurse as well there if necessary. Eat well, limit alcohol and caffeine, take meds. Live life as normal! (Albeit with changes that suit what your husband can and cannot do).

I just re read what I wrote I hope I haven’t been too blunt. I just get annoyed at what some nurses/drs say. I remember thinking I was going to die immediately with what the dr at my local hospital said to me! Just live the life you enjoy whatever that is to you both. Xx

[Mrs-dod in reply to Coffeeandwalnut]

I have only just read this. Your reply has really helped me, thank you. Yes, I am still very angry at the nurse for what she said. She has affected me mentally so very much. Your reply has helped me... Thank you xx