Heart Failure Support Group
Heart failure is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. It is often undiagnosed due to a lack of a universally agreed definition and difficulties in diagnosis, particularly when the condition is considered "mild."
I have both CHF and COPD.
Because of persistant SOB, I have been scheduled to have an ICD implanted. My symptoms were SOB and low EF. Because of SOB, I went to ER and was admitted in March. After prednisone treatment and an Echo, my EF in January was 20-25% and the one in March was 20-25%,
it was determined that the SOB was caused by Cardiomyopathy/CHF..
.
I'm still having SOB. Will the ICD help with SOB, or is this something I'll have to live with?
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Because of persistant SOB, I have been scheduled to have an ICD implanted. My symptoms were SOB and low EF. Because of SOB, I went to ER and was admitted in March. After prednisone treatment and an Echo, my EF in January was 20-25% and the one in March was 20-25%,
it was determined that the SOB was caused by Cardiomyopathy/CHF..
.
I'm still having SOB. Will the ICD help with SOB, or is this something I'll have to live with?
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Well, the answer to your question as to whether the ICD will help your SOB I'm afraid you'll have to wait and see. Your EF does make you an automatic candidate for a device.
So here you go...There are two conditions which, if you are unfortunate enough to have, would be somewhat a blessing in this situation. If your problem includes bradycardia (slow heart beat) and your Ventricle is paced full time, then you mdo have a fairly good chance that the device will help with the SOB.
Another condition known as Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) is where the ventricles are beating asynchronously, then a Bi-Ventricular ICD, also known as a CRT-D, would also help as it paces both ventricles full time and synchronizes the beats.
The shortness of breath is due to fluid build-up and is usually called CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). Another of those very unpleasant sounding terms but not nearly as bad as the name makes it sound.
If you are getting a standard dual chamber ICD, then most likely the ICD is strictly to reduce your risk of SCA which is high in people with a low EF and cardiomyopathy. This situation is unlikely to be beneficial in reducing or eliminating your SOB.
That would be treated with medication such as Beta Blockers to reduce the workload on your heart. A Diuretic (water pill) to help keep the fluid build up down, the biggest factor in SOB. and likely some other meds for good measure to help manage the Cardiomyopathy.
Hope this helps you understand a little better. Good luck