cardiac failure

[Strathaird12]

I was told very bluntly four years ago I was in heart failure , then told no.

I suffer from restless legs and take a drug called requip . , side effects of this leg oedema.

Last year diagnosed other bronchiolitis which makes me breathless .

I am confused re ? Cardiac failure deteriorating.

[Happyrosie]

I do feel this is one to discuss with your medical professionals.

[Lezzers]

Hi Strathaird

Being in heart failure (HF) and having HF are 2 different conditions. Any number of things can cause you to go into HF, ie a virus, blood loss etc. Being in HF is an acute condition that needs immediate treatment to get your heart functioning properly again. Having HF is a long term chronic medical condition that is managed by medication.

If you were told you were in HF & then told no, I would ask your Dr to clarify if you do have chronic HF or if you were in HF & that was resolved at the time.

Do you take any other medication other than the one for your restless leg syndrome. Leg oedema can be caused by other conditions not associated with HF, such as veinous insufficiency which (I believe) is where the valves in your veins don't open/close properly and therefore the fluid builds up. This is quite a common condition and isn't deemed to be life threatening. Your breathing issues could be due to your bronchitis last year or could be something totally unrelated.

You really do need to speak to your GP who can arrange a simple blood test to see if you need a referral to a cardiologist and an x-ray and/or lung function test to see if theres any problem with your lungs.

Hope this helps