RHYTHMIC

[Rhythmic]

I haven't posted on this site for many weeks, but would like to give a reassuring update of what happened after my Myocardial Profusion test at the beginning of May this year. Like others on this site, I found the description of the test daunting at first, but it went very smoothly. The results were a relief, no sign of coronary artery disease, and because I do a lot of exercise, I found the increasing speed on the treadmill manageable, though ended up begging to stop as I was completely out of breath.

My diagnosis is mild aortic regurgitation (leaking of the aortic valve) and ventricular bigeminy (irregular heartbeat). My cardiologist said at our last meeting that if that was all he had wrong with his heart at my age (80) he would be very pleased. The Forxiga (Dapagliflozen) I've been taking since January has helped a lot with symptoms of breathlessness and swollen legs, and I gave up Losartan in February (for high blood pressure) because it was slowing down my heartbeat - especially at night as it seemed to be stopping at times, then, fortunately, starting up again. Since 2020 I have had the mixed blessing of pulsatile tinnitus, so have the continuous sound of my heartbeat in my right ear, day and night, but hear it clearer at night. At least it tells me my heart is still working, though sometimes in "fits and starts". I've got used to it so get to sleep when it's not too loud. Like Michael Mosley, I tell myself to slow down, relax, to get to sleep. It works!

I come from a family of sweet-toothed, liable-to put-on-weight women! Exercise is the answer for all our ailments - please, whatever illness you have, try to do a bit more exercise every day, unless you are physically unable to do this. Maybe I'll post again in another 10 years (the time my cardiologist thought I still had to live!). Meanwhile good luck to everyone who gets their first shock news of heart failure and keep reading these posts, they are mostly very comforting.

I hope this helps others on this excellent site to recognise that for those of us now getting older (the baby boomers), it is natural that our bodies start to "wear out". I've had brilliant care from the Oxfordshire medics, despite the sorry state the NHS is in. I wish the same for you, too.

[honeybubs]

well done it’s lovely you are so positive and thank you for the update. I too am a fan of Michael Mosley he was incredible I’m half way through his book. Keep up the good work you are marvellous x

[Rhythmic in reply to honeybubs]

Thank you honeybees - very kind to say this. I was afraid my message sounded smug, but I'm just relieved we have such good medics to advise and look after us.

[Rhythmic in reply to honeybubs]

It keeps changing honeybubs to honeybees!!

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Rhythmic,

You are so positive and upbeat! I find that very inspirational and uplifting.

You are right about having more exercise, and I often struggle in this area. I try to think positively about exercise and I try to add in more steps here and there. However, I do need to take some of your advice and do better with exercise.

Thanks for the kind suggestions! Best wishes to you. ❤️💕

[Rhythmic in reply to Smitty1956]

Thanks Smitty, start little by little with exercise like I did and it gets to be a habit! I feel so good after exercise ! Good luck and keep well.

[Smitty1956]

Thank you! 😊