ICD @35 EF

[Ardbeg28]

At a recent appointment with heart failure nurse it was suggested I have an ICD fitted. I am not sure about this. I am hoping to walk more to try and increase my Ejection Fraction from 35 back to at least 40 which it had been for many years. Also be more strict about eating vegan with no fat.Unfortunately I fell recently outside and my chest is still recovering from the impact so I can't walk too far yet.

Firstly any advice on help with increasing EF.

Second how do folks cope with an ICD and its disadvantages.

I'm a 68 year old female had a heart attack and a cardiac arrest in 2011. Left with heart failure and I also have Parkinson's.

[Friendliarthur]

I’m pretty sure that the advice from the cardio nurse who presumably works in close cooperation with a cardiologist will be more reliable than you’ll get from non medicos here.

I strongly suggest that you follow the medical advice.

Good luck.

[Ardbeg28 in reply to Friendliarthur]

Thank you for your reply. I will be speaking to cardio nurse soon.

[Hoocher62]

I had an ICD fitted as my EF was only 32 after my HA in 2019. It's not changed much but I'm glad I had it fitted, for peace of mind if nothing else. Ivwas diagnosed with PTSD after my widowmaker HA. And having the ICD make a huge difference to my anxiety levels. Knowing I have a built in back up puts my mind at rest .

[Ardbeg28]

I am pleased you have peace of mind now. For me because its 15 years since I had my heart attack, then cardiac arrest the day after, I've managed well without any devices and I will have to discuss more with nurse and cardiologist. I guess my EF lowering to 35 and my age 68 are contributing factors for having the ICD fitted. Thanks for your reply.