Bundle branch & HF - 48yrs old

[Attacus]

Hello,

I'm 48, didn't think I'd be writing on here so soon but it's good to read your stories & experiences, albeit overwhelming at times.

Started with palpitations and some noticeable breathlessness. ECG diagnosed bundle branch block. The stress from that prognosis ended me up in A&E from being told. Then found out heart was swollen & only working at 20% (50-60% is normal)

Now on various drugs, including bisoperol & Entresto. Still have palpitations. Waiting for an MRI to give more results. Not overweight. Recent bloods show a BNP of over 2000, they were half this (still high) before taking the meds - any ideas ?

Thanks

Richard

[LSCE]

Hello, sorry to hear of your health issues. I don't have any experience of your condition. I do know the new treatments for HF can be very effective. Some meds like beta blockers can cause an elevated BNP or so I've read. Importantly, are you any better on the medication. Have a chat with the BHF nurses, they might help. I hope there might be others on the forum who can offer you some advice. wishing you well.

[Attacus in reply to LSCE]

Thank you, it's all early days but lots of help out there. Thanks for your support & info. Good to know it could be the betas raising it further. Best 🙂

[Alixia]

has anyone in your family suffered from heart issues?

[Attacus in reply to Alixia]

There is some history but different parts of heart & not as young 🙂

[Deejay62]

Hi mine is 23% as of a yr ago. It went up from 10%. My pro bmp whatever it’s called is 2111. I thought that always depends on how low your heart function is and I’ve never heard of it being caused by meds. I take bisoprolol, entresto, spironolactone, dapagliflozin, Bumetanide and edoxaban, as a cocktail.

I also have dilated cardiomyopathy which is a progression to H/F and pulmonary hypertension which is another progression, so I assumed mine is expected to be high.

I know I have regular blood tests because my kidney function is quite low also but since coming off warfarin it as climbed up a little.

[Attacus in reply to Deejay62]

Wow 10% ! But has doubled in a year. That's great news ! How are you ? How have you increased it to 23% just on meds or physio or diet or what ? How old are you ? I'm pretty much on the same meds too. Do you feel better? Have they given you underlying cause ? So many questions. Good luck & thanks

[Deejay62 in reply to Attacus]

No not in a year about 6 yrs ago when I went to 10% and trialed entresto because it was that or transplant, and I found I felt a lot better. I went up over time until last year’s echo showed I was 23%. I can’t compare myself to you or anyone. We all medically are different. I’ve read a lot of people on here have been 10% and climbed out of H/F, but still having to take their meds. I try to take my meds and get on with my life the best I can. I went into H/F over 20 yrs ago. I’m heading to 63. Maybe that’s why I’ve accepted my illness and it’s progression

I feel odd compared to people on here because the only time I feel anxious is when I have a cold and have problems breathing. I can’t walk far without stopping because I can’t breathe properly because of fluid and atrial fibrillation, but even that doesn’t stop me

[Attacus in reply to Deejay62]

You're right, we're all medically different I guess. But 20yrs ago ! So 42 .. I thought I was relatively young ! Anxiety has a lot to do with things I guess. Nobody likes to feel worry of breathlessness but even before HF that's a symptom of a cold. Try not to worry, you're doing great, and you're one of the original Entresto trials. Amazing. All the best 🙂

[Deejay62 in reply to Attacus]

You’re still young. Try not to worry about the numbers, let the professionals do that. Keep fighting on. You have a lot of living to do. All the best.