Update/Good news: I just got the... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

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Update/Good news

baltibob profile image
12 Replies

I just got the results of my recent echo scan, my LVEF has increased to 40-45% following a double cardiac arrest (1 at home, another in hospital 1 1/2 later,) in February, after which my LVEF was 30-35%.

I was so pleased to hear the news, that I forgot to ask any questions. I have an appointment with a consultant next month and I want to ask about exercise levels and life expectancy, but I'm wondering what else I should be asking about?

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baltibob profile image
baltibob
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12 Replies

That's great news! Always nice to see some improvement!👌

BeKind28- profile image
BeKind28-

Hello :-)

This is great news :-)

I am really pleased for you and I hope things continue to improve for you :-) x

LSCE profile image
LSCE

Great news. 👍

Cocoadonkey profile image
Cocoadonkey

Hi there

My husband had a cardiac arrest just as he walked into A&E over 2 years ago now, he was 57 then and had no other symptoms. His EF was 40 to 45 when he left the hospital a week later and he was back at work after a month and out walking as soon as he got home.

He did the cardiac rehab programme after about 6 weeks and they then advised what was good for him to do to push himself more, so it may be good to sign up or ask about that. They then assess what you should or should not be doing.

Walking though should be fine, but just listen to your body. Especially as I am sure you have some bruising or cracked ribs after the arrests. My husbands chest and ribs were bruised for about 4/5 months afterwards !

Good luck and always great to hear someone got through this trauma xx

gorillaqueen profile image
gorillaqueen

Great news hope things continue to improve and you get the answers to your questions. Best wishes and good luck 🍀🍀😊

wischo profile image
wischo

Thats a brilliant improvement and a sign of really good recovery. Nice to see a good news story now and again here. Best of luck for a long and healthy future.

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017

Amazing news, so pleased for you.

Do ask about cardio rehab, I found it excellent, caring, informative and learnt so much about heart health, diet, exercise, heart anxiety etc

Perhaps also check what future tests, procedures you might need to monitor your progress and how often - you can then check if not called for, as an example, a yearly echo. Onwards & upwards ❤️

baltibob profile image
baltibob in reply to HHH2017

I did cardiac rehab a few months ago. it was good and I thoroughly recommend it. I am keeping up with lots of exercise and feel great most of the time.

Penoir53 profile image
Penoir53

good news. Really pleased for you. I find understanding the way forward is good so I always ask when the next appointment and next echo will be, any medication adjustments that they plan and next line of actions if there is a change. I like a plan! Defo cover exercise plans and write your goals and see if they align. When doing any changes eg increasing exercise I keep a one line a day diary to check how I am feeling and then you don’t need to second guess things. I find when I’m fine I’m fine though. Keep going and fab news. X

baltibob profile image
baltibob in reply to Penoir53

Thanks. Exercise plans is something I am keen to learn more about. I did cardiac rehab and have progressed to doing quite a lot of job/walks on the treadmill and also cycling on an exercise bike. But its difficult to know how much to do etc. I'm gradually increasing effort/distance and watching my heart rate closely, but would like a bit more guidance ideally.

Smitty1956 profile image
Smitty1956

Hi, Baltibob,

That is great news about your LVEF—quite an improvement!

Could I suggest that you get a small notebook to carry with you (perhaps in a pocket) to jot down any questions that might pop into your mind to ask your doctor next month. I know that I will think of something and then forget it before I can make it to a notepad if I’m not prepared ahead of time.

Would it help to ask about any lifestyle changes that might need to be made? Just a thought.

Hopefully, others will suggest some important questions that you might need to ask. Best wishes to you on continued improvement! ❤️

baltibob profile image
baltibob

Thanks. A notepad is a good idea.

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