Heart Failure Support Group

Hi Noreen
I'm also recently diagnosed, and am equally freaked out by all the bad stats on the net. It's hard to believe what people say over what's in black and white, but I'm trying to believe in my new doctor who works solely with CHF patients and sees positive outcomes every day. She said things are way better in recent years with new drugs and that the stats haven't caught up. I'm 34 and she is feeling certain I get well enough to have children and old enough to hold my grandchildren. I'm still feeling on the negative side--from what I've gotten off this site, most people feel pretty depressed for the first 2-4 months.
EF is a pretty important number and people do tend to talk about it a lot in relation to how well they are doing. 40% is not in the severe territory, so that's a good thing! 55% would be normal. I think it's 25% and below that is getting into critical territory (but don't quote me on that). It is possible to feel OK with a low EF or to feel crappy with a higher one. It seems to vary quite a bit. Meds can make you feel better, but may or may not improve your EF (though the hope is that they will). The hardest part for me is waiting to find out if mine is improving or not. They say it's not helpful to do another echo until you've been on the meds for at least 2-3 months. I still have a month to go to see if my EF of 25% is improving.
Be sure to keep on top of your cardiologist--ask lots of questions and let him/her know that you want to go at this aggressively. I asked for a referral to someone who is more specialized in this area, and that has worked out very well.
:o)

Hello, i have not been able to talk to anyone lately due to my pc hard drive crash, but i am back. I had a echo today 04-06-09. My original ef was 25-30% back in late Oct 2008, felt like well you know what the words are for at least 3 -4 months. My number is 55% today due to my meds and my faith in God. I was so excited i actully cried driving home. The meds do work.

Hello, been reading this forum for awhile this is the first time I replied. Diagnosed Jan 02, 2009 with dilated cardiomyopathy. 47 yrs old, male. Initial EF was 10-15%, went into VTAC while in the hospital. They sent me home with a LIFE VEST from Lifecor (anyone ever have any experience with this) Had another echo in March...EF went to 25-30% Drs. say it needs to be over 35% or I need an ICD. Taking 11 meds a day. Would like some support, I'll give what I can.

I had the lifevest from lifecore for 3-4 months before they put in an implantable defibulator and pacemaker. I was glad to have the protection. Like you, my EF was 10- 15%. It went up to about 20-25% after 6 months. I got the ICD/pacemaker then. After 4 years my EF has slowly but surely improved to 50%. Good luck. I am sure you will improve as well. Sounds like your doctors are on the right track.

this is just a comment for Eshu, i am so excited & happy for you. i think it makes me excited for myself. i can't wait to get to 6 months so that i can find out what my new # is. i know i feel better with the meds & i hope & pray they are making the same difference yours have.