Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

[MandaM]

Hi, does anyone here suffer with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy? I have a recent diagnosis of this which has been caused by high blood pressure over however long a period. I get severe chest pains with breathlessness, now a bit of a faint feeling too. This comes on sometimes after only a few paces of walking, getting dressed, turning over in bed even. Does anyone have any coping strategies for this at all, anything they find that eases the symptoms? I'm on Irbesartan 150mg o.d. & Adizem 90mg b.d. for blood pressure. I don't react well to diltiazem meds but my cardiologist wants me on a higher dose. Having a bad enough time with Lupus flare & Fibro plus a wierd dizzy, sick, funny tummy virus that seems to be going around. I need to get back to my NHS work as I've been off now 2 1/2 months & they're losing patience. Occupational Health have been instructed to call me this week. Any guidance appreciated. Thank you. 🤲 ✨

[Occasion99]

I have lupus and left ventricular hypertrophy. I can’t be much help other to say you’re not alone ! I manage it by pacing my life but I am older and retired..coincidentally from the NHS. Sorry I can’t be more help. Take care x

[MandaM in reply to Occasion99]

Hello! Thank you for replying to me. I feel so bad at the moment & really struggling with the feeling of being drained by Dracula, totally lethargic & the chest pain and breathlessness means I can barely shuffle my feet along. Surely this isn't how life has to be forever now? Can I ask at how they like for your heart rate & BP to be? I can see before long I'll have to go for medical retirement.

[Occasion99 in reply to MandaM]

I’m sorry you feel so poorly. I only get slight breathlessness and dizziness. My resting pulse is about 80 and my BP 135 /90 . Everyone is different and I had to retire as I also have peripheral neuropathy which was more of the reason for the retirement. So don’t give up. Hopefully they will get the symptoms more under control, good luck and take care

[MandaM in reply to Occasion99]

Really appreciate your reply again. The cardiologist, my GP, my renal transplant consultant & others would not allow me to be functioning at the BP levels & heart rate you have as they say I should be 120/70 max & they like heart rates as low as possible. It was often in the lower 100/108 range but now sits around 60, the cardiologist says I need even higher meds. I think I'd be on the floor bradycardic!

[Occasion99]

Oh bless you. You do have a lot going on! And have been through a lot too. I guess you need to trust them as they will have your best interests at heart. Sorry I wasn’t more help. Take care and all the very best to you. You’re a very brave and strong person..x