Heart failure

[Duncanwhite1]

My diagnosis.

[RufusScamp]

Do you mean you have diagnosed yourself, or been given this diagnosis? Are you asking for advice, or just sympathy?

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to RufusScamp]

Sympathy what are you on . Im genuinely scared what kind of reply is that . Sorry if i worded wrong . Try again sat here not knowing what to fo i hzve an enlarge heart . Had all thd test awaiting telephone call off cardiolist . Query LVD . Just acvice about thix condition . Please .

[RufusScamp in reply to Duncanwhite1]

Sorry, I didn't see your other post. One saying only "My diagnosis" was a little unclear.

I was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and severe heart failure 3 years ago. Medication and exercise have improved my condition.

The phrase "heart failure" sounds terrible, but it should be "heart inefficiency". Depending on the cause, there are effective treatments available. The main BHF website has lots of useful information.

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you . That really helpfull

[Hidden in reply to RufusScamp]

I hope you don't mind me asking rufusscamp but what exercises did you do to help with your heart. I am wondering what I should do to help myself. I will naturally ask the medical people what's best but I just want an idea. I hope you don't mind me asking. I currently believe I don't have heart failure. However right side not mechanically efficient. Iam currently on lisinopril and spironolactone. These are to assist. But I think a little exercise might help the old heart muscle.

[RufusScamp in reply to Hidden]

I was referred to a cardio rehab programme which established safe levels for me. The exercises were all ones I could do at home. A daily walk helped.

The BHF website has various suggestions, but the best advice from my cardiologist was to do things that made me out of breath, but not so much I could not converse. It is important to do a gentle warm-up and cool down.

There is an NHS booklet with a variety of graded exercises - perhaps your surgery has a copy.

[Hidden in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will do some investigating. I do a walk once a day. But I will have a look for the nhs booklet. Thank you.

[uzininemm in reply to Hidden]

Hello Felly 12, when I saw my local NHS heart rehab they referred me to their youtube videos (they weren't seeing people at the time due to lockdowns), I have attached a example as a link youtube.com/watch?v=NLfc6no...(Not working as expected?)

Other trusts do similar, what I can say is that I found they were invaluable when I was starting out, as you can do them at your own pace and build the time up you do them gradually.

Nothing beat the face to face and hope you are able to get this.

I hope it helps.

[Hidden in reply to uzininemm]

Thank you I will see what they do in my area.

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to uzininemm]

Thank you

[Janma123]

Hello Duncan, the term “heart failure” is a medical term that just means your heart is not working as well as it could. It should not be used without a clear explanation of what it means - preferably before it is used. Modern medication can help the heart work more efficiently.

Best wishes. Jane

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to Janma123]

Thank you i thought it would mean 5 years to live . Big relief

[Silvertail in reply to Duncanwhite1]

Duncan, please don't believe everything you read on Google, Lots of outdated and wrong information given. I know many articles say five years to live, but its not necessarily true. Medical science has come a long way and medications nowadays are marvellous.

Best wishes. Sandy

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to Silvertail]

Thank you these support messages are helping me do much . Iv just self referral to mind . I seemed to be so struggling

[RufusScamp in reply to Duncanwhite1]

The "five years" is old information, and includes people in their 90s, who may die of something else. I have managed three, and am in better shape than I was before the problem was diagnosed. Take care of yourself!

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to RufusScamp]

Thank you mean so much

[MissisF]

Have a read. Try it to worry

pumpingmarvellous.org/heart...

[Cavalierrubie]

Do not be afraid Duncan. You will get lots of help from this forum. Read all the information and with help from all the great people on here, and your Cardiologist you will be more than ok. All the best.

[Duncanwhite1 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you .