chronic heart failure

[Sundance60]

I everyone I’m 64 years and have today been diagnosed with chronic heart failure. Heart functioning at 25-30%. I’m on holiday in Lanzarote and only called doctor as was feeling breathless after walking and climbing stairs. I’ve had a very stressful 2 years in my family life and the only possible symptoms I feel I’ve had during that time is extreme fatigue, some spells of dizziness headaches and weight gain. No swollen ankles and chest pain. The diagnosis has come as a complete shock. I’m due to fly back to UK on Sunday. The Cardiologist says it can be reversed..can anyone shed anymore light on possible treatment, medication, surgery. I am seeing him tomorrow as was not in any state today to ask any questions. I feel like I’ve been given a death sentence,

[Cocoadonkey]

HI Sundance60

That was a rubbish thing to be told whilst on holiday !

My husband had a cardiac arrest 2 and half years ago and was recently told he was in heart failure as an echo showed EF of 30 to 35. He has had no symptoms at all for 2 and half years and thought he was doing fine. This was just a routine check up as had not seen anyone since his cardiac arrest.

He was prescribed Eplerenone 25mg by the cardiologist.

Since then he has been trying to lose weight, reduce stress and cardio exercise 4 times a week - 20 minutes on the exercise bike. Also regular walking and keeping active.

He had another echo about a month ago and his EF is back to 40 to 45 which is what it was after his cardiac arrest and pretty much normal.

It is not a death sentence and there are plenty of drugs which can help. Also they can fit a pace maker if symptoms get worse. Unfortunately telling anyone they are in Heart Failure is very scary and I wish they would use another term ! My husband almost fell off his chair when we were told !!!

Good luck and keep positive xx

[TheBesty]

Hi Sundance... As your EF is in the 25-30% range, I expect they will put you on the "four pillars" of medication: "beta blockers, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i)" .. More than likely have some ECG's, tests etc to find the cause and draw up a treatment plan... I was at 13% EF over Christmas - I'm back up to 31% now and in the cardio rehab program. It sounds scarier than it is in most cases so don't panic... The meds can raise your EF and shake off symptoms

[Lanzarote23]

Hi I was diagnosed with Heart Failure in January no symptoms only found with a chest xray. I had an EF of 40% but since taking the four pillars of medication it’s gone up to 49%. I had an MRI but no conclusion as to where it’s come from but not hereditary so happy for my son. It is scary I live on my own and always thinking about it. Good luck ❤️

[PinkKizzie]

Hi Sundance60, you must have got a complete shock, but life's not over. I was exactly the same as you at the beginning of 2022, had the same symptoms. I have an ejection fraction (EF) of 25%, LV impairment and LBBB and when I asked the consultant if that can be improved upon, he didn't say no but he didn't say yes either. He said the way they look at it is they try to keep your heart stable with medication. I was supposed to get a pacemaker but it didn't go to plan. I still feel fatigue, breathless, and sometimes dizzy when standing from sitting, but I feel well and remain active. Please try not to worry too much and I hope all goes well. An update would be good.

[Hanibil]

H I they really do need to alter the words heart failure. Your heart isn’t failing it is simply not working as well as it should do, I was diagnosed with severe heart failure in 2018, I was already on certain medications as I had a mechanical aortic valve replacement in 2005. They prescribed a drug called Entresto and it’s made all the difference. I live a full and happy life both mountain biking and skiing. So try not to worry too much.

[devonian186]

I note on your bio that one of your interests is weight loss.

Does that mean you are trying to lose weight or already keep your weight at a good level?

A good diet, the right weight and appropriate exercise will likely bring that ejection fraction back towards 45% or more which is getting towards normal. No one functions at 100% heart efficiency. 60% would be considered very good going and rather less in older people with no health issues.

[antifolate]

Hi Sundance60

I had a sudden onset of heart failure 8 years ago with an EF of 18%. I am now 76 and quite stable. It did take some time to optimise the medications but got there eventually. Looking back the greatest problem I had initially was due to interactions of the medications. I had a conversation with a different cardiologist who identified that my heart had improved significantly and that I should not be experiencing these symptoms. He suggested temporary (7 day) sensation of individual medications starting with a statin that I had had no problems with for over 12 years. The transformational difference in symptoms was apparent within 24 hours. This was one example of an unexpected interaction. There many others including a diuretic bumetanide and amiodarone,

I wish I had been aware of possibility of such interactions from the start as it could have considerably reduced the time for the optimisation. The good news is that the medications can make a huge difference to your life. If you do have any suspicion about side effects or drug interactions I would encourage you to discuss this with your cardiologist and don't just accept generic responses that you may receive.

At first I thought I would never see my daughters have children. But now I have 5 incredible grandchildren that give me immense pleasure. So try not to think about how bad you may feel at the moment. There are good medications out there that should help on your path to a brighter future.

[Battl]

Hi Sundance

Hope your UK care team will sort out robust treatment plan and link you in with specialists when you come home. Chase up help and support.

Perhaps you may also have a look on pumping marvellous web site as its offers a user friendly information on heart failure.

You will find helpful information about managing heat, food and fluids on BHF and Pumping Marvellous web site. A lot to take take in.

I was diagnosed with HF with LBB ( a type of heart block) 4 yrs ago out the blue.. made changes to my life style and still enjoying an active life . It’s a shock and the term heart failure sounds so terrifying.. but take a day at a time.

This support group offers fantastic help and positive stories.

[Whatamug1]

Hi Sundance - have read all other answers and agree. This site is honest and stopped me from worrying. I’m still here and breathing and you’ll be sorted soon too. Enjoy your holiday !!!

[Juliebeasley]

Hi I too had a surprise diagnosis of heart failure at 64 years old. I thought I was fit and healthy. I had palpitations and gained weight, I felt it was a death sentence 😔 it is not. I take my medication and so far things are going well. See your cardiac team and I'm sure you will feel better soon.