Just Diagnosed with COPD heart failure?

[hilary77]

Hi everyone

I’ve just been diagnosed with COPD end of January, after complaining of shortness of breath mostly when bending, I had the spirometer test & the nurse said I was borderline Asthma/COPD, she also took bloods & did an ECG & would be informed later that day after the doctors had look at the findings.

The call came & I was told I had COPD

The other tests results the ECG showed heart failure as did the blood test.

Last June I was rushed into hospital with a heart rate of 249, they said I had had an SVT.

I have been experiencing strange heartbeats my heart beats normal then rapid thump thump thumps then it goes back to normal. I go to the hospital for an ultrasound cardiogram on the 4th March

On checking my medical record online it says I have stage two COPD? I’m a little perplexed that the nurse who did the test wasn’t sure as I was borderline yet I’m at stage two?

My question is could it have been my heart causing shortness of breath & not COPD?

I would appreciate any comments as I’m frightened to death, I am 69 years old & do smoke although not heavily. This is going to sound ridiculous but I had not smoked trying to kick the habit since 1st Jan but since the diagnosis I’ve been smoking again.

Any help advice will be so appreciated.

Thank You!

Hilary

[Mary-intussuception]

Hi Hilary

Please don't worry, although I can understand this must have been very frightening news to hear.

Don't know if you'll be reassured by this at all but my Mother had end-stage heart and lung disease for a very long time. Died age 81 due to other matters & conditions (including a skin cancer [excision incomplete] ).

She was also overweight (very late in life Hypothyroidism diagnosis & therefore left untreated). She had severe arthritis and Osteoporosis - so very poor mobility. I think keeping positive kept her going. I found out she had CCF ( Congestive Cardiac Failure ) many , many years before this. In her early 60's I think. But she'd had it ages then, just wasn't told her diagnosis .

I know you don't need me to tell you that the best thing you can do right now is to give up smoking altogether, and keep on with gentle exercise such as gentle walking and /or swimming + healthy eating.

I also understand you going back on the cigarettes because of the stress of this news (no it's not ridiculous) but hope you can begin to get over the shock now.

xx

[hallentine47]

4 years ago I spent 19 days in a coma in ICU due to pnuemonia/respiratiry failure all part of my emphysema and COPD. This Xmas I spent the time in Hospital due to 2 heart attacks and double pnuemonia. I had become increasingly breathless last year and it was put down to my COPD condition but in fact was my heart failure which as we know goes hand in han d with Emphysema COPD. Its just that I never gave it a thought. The pnuemonia delayed the medics treating my first heart attack and while in Hospital waiting for them to sort it out I had another heart attack. My answer is yes it could well be your heart as well. Now I am less breathless but suffering no less from my usual symptoms. Be aware that we need to monitor our heart conditions closely with this condition of ours.

[gardenalan]

I have COPD I never smoked in my life but like you my biggest problem is bending down I now have a raised oven washing machine etc to make life easier try not to get stressed take your time doing your chores I find walking slowly really helps getting your head around it is hard but you will be fine good luck