I've had heart failure since 2020 and had bounced back from a 12% ef rate up to 44%. It's now stabilised at around 35%. The doc says this is classed as moderate heart failure but borderline severe. Last years scan was also 35% so it hasn't budged much if any at all. I do however get chest pains daily and palpitations but that's about it for the most part.
I walk each day and try to do some light exercises without any problems.
Taking all the meds needed. Entresto. Betas. Dapa. Etc but this hasn't improved my situation much at all.
Just wondering if there is anything else that works, that I can try to improve my heart. Will more exercise do the trick?
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theonethatgotaway1
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whilst you are walking each day (you don;t say how far, how fast, up a gradient etc)and doing light exercise, do you feel you can do more? The medical opinion is that you should push yourself until you are slightly out of breath but can still hold a conversation.
Even though I have said that did you get offered a heart rehab course previously? if so what did they say if not why don't you ask your GP's if they can get you rolled on to one, it should be beneficial and I would certainly trust their advice based on all the facts rather than mine!
The other facts to take into account, are you eating healthy, not smoking and dare I say it not having as drink (or at least taking in moderation, no more than 14 units a week).
From my experience i do believe all the factors can have a positive/negative influence in your recovery.
while more exercise could be the key, depending upon your condition it could make things worse. My surgeon told me that for some conditions (including my then mitral valve regurgitation) a nurse or GP will helpfully give the general cardio up your exercise chat but it was actually making my condition more serious.
This is definitely a question for your cardiac nurse or doctor.
Hi theonethatgotaway1, I was diagnosed with an EF of 25% (severe category) with left ventricle impairment and LBBB at the beginning of 2022. A pacemaker was advised, however, that didn't go to plan (see my bio). I won't try again for a pacemaker but I am on great meds including Entresto and feel really well, but get tired and breathless sometimes. I've learned on this forum that EF can be improved upon so exercise is important, so keep active and just do what you are comfortable with. I won't know if my EF has improved until my appointment with the consultant next year. Wishing you well. Take care.
Singing can be classed as a good cardiac exercise, exercise is known to improve it. But I would work with a physiotherapist because there advice for exercise would keep you safest, can you work with your health providers? Add singing into your days
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Experience with elderly loved one and pacemaker 
Heart attack and smoking.....
