MRI after a heart failure possible Takotsubo

[Ladytako]

I had stents to my LAD in 2015 and 2019 had no pains or breathlessness since till recently when I became more fatigued and breathless on exertion . Was going to ask Gp to refer me back to cardiologist then I had a severe attack of breathlessness and severe central chest pain after a stressful event . It went on for an hour and I stupidly put it down to a panic type attack ( which I’ve never had before)

I even more stupidly did an consult with the gp the next day after being breathless at work

I had an ecg an blood tests that came back the following day abnormal and was phoned by the gp to go to the rapid heart clinic where they did an echo EF was 35 and my blood tropinin and BNP level high

Admitted straight away to CCU on 11 April ,angiogram showed clear arteries and stents ok , so discharged after a day monitoring on loads of heart failure meds 8 weeks ago . Possible Takotsubo

The MRI appt came yesterday at last for June 25 th as there’s a long wait for them for scan of cardiac viability , which I hope will go ahead as doctors strikes scheduled for that date .

My cardiologist appt is Aug28th and Gp has been no help , still have pain fatigue low blood pressure and heart rate , when I sleep dropping to 35/37 and I wake with fast fluttering

Just seems so long to not be on the right medication or have a proper diagnosis or just who to ask for advice. I left a msg on my cardiologist secretary ans phone to ask if any time in a cancellation would he review my meds .. no answer

Sorry this is long moany post I know the NHS is on its knees and GP s are no longer there for us and lots people worse than me . Just want to get back to work , know what’s wrong and treat it and adjust to whatever my life will be now

[fishonabike]

hello Ladytako - I also had a Takotsubo event several years ago so I can identify with some of what you are experiencing.

this is a poorly understood condition which affects few people (mainly women) - it seems that it is often misdiagnosed and many doctors dismiss it as reversible and that recovery will be quick

however, Takotsubo is a serious condition - it can leave you exhausted for months because it cause inflammation of the left ventricle (the part of the heart which pumps blood carrying oxygen and fuel to your brain, body and to itself). There is currently no effective treatment for this, the best they can offer is supportive medication. What they often forget to tell you or don't know is that rest is central to recovery.

I am a member of a Facebook support group, may i suggest that you join us for more information and friendly support (look for Takotsubo Support Group)

you might also be interested to join an online, live support session with Cardiomyopathy UK on 10th June (I think that's the right date), check their website

you could also go to the Takotsubo.net website for reliable information and a helpful FAQ section

now go and put you feet up, arrange for help with the stuff you are struggling with and settle in for a gentle convalescence 🌺

[Ladytako in reply to fishonabike]

Thank you have joined the group and signed up for the online event 10 th June which I have a link / ticket to join , hope I manage that as I’ve never done one before . Yes my gp surgery I’m pretty sure think I’m some one who’s got to ‘get over it’

And possibly woman of a certain age post menopausal a bit of a nuisance with my ongoing symptoms in my head they assume as it’s classed as caused by intense emotion fear or anxiety . It’s very real and debilitating . I expect the MRI will be able to confirm Takotsubo if no damage , structural reason does it show the pumping fraction too ?

[fishonabike in reply to Ladytako]

Being dismissed is a common problem with this and other uncommon/poorly understoof conditions - point any professionals towards the Takotsub.net site i mentioned and suggest tactfully that things have moved on since they first heard of Takotsubo

An MRI can show your Ejection Fraction (pumping) - normal range is 50-70% and, by the time of your MRI it could be back to normal, but that will not guarantee that your heart will have recovered fully. The MRI is done when you are at rest so it does not show how your heart performs when you are active. Like any damaged body part it takes time to rebuild full strength, stamina and function in demanding situations.

so the trick for recovery is to stay within your energy limits, increasing activity very gradually, in stages - see advice and guidance on Pacing - you are unlikely to be offered cardio-rehab, but the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have an online, at-home, video rehab programme you can try at your own pace