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."
Hi, I just wanted to share an update.
Quick recap: Age 44, not overweight, athletic, had sudden heart attack in October due to a congenital large artery and blood clot. Stent did not work so it remains occluded, lost 10-15% of heart. EF in October before leaving hospital was 48 on echo, EF in December on MRI was 46. Meds are Plavix, aspirin, 20mg Crestor, 5 mg lisinopril, and 12.5 mg (twice daily) metoprolol.
MRI revealed no other heart problems other than that area destroyed by the heart attack (doc says this is in an area of the heart that I should be ok with...and that I was lucky about that). I completed my cardiac rehab and now I work out 3 days per week.
I had my check up last week (roughly 6 months after heart attack).
Dr. told me I look fine, I have lost 22 pounds of actual weight intentionally, so I am down to 170 pounds. My blood pressure usually runs about 116/74. Not on a special diet, the doctor just said to eat smart and to "try" to keep my sodium under 2 grams per day...which I do most everyday! I have not had any swelling, etc.
My doctor told me that the EF (48 echo, 46 mri) probably would not go up but he would not expect it to go down either. But he said an EF of that number should not affect lifespan. He said that it is his opinion that if I continue to do what I am supposed to do, and if I do not have another heart attack, that I could live into my mid-60's, or 70's (I am 44 years old now). I was thrilled with this news!!! I am just wondering from you guys, is this realistic? I always thought an EF of under 50 was not a good sign (my EF was 48 on echo and 46 on MRI).
I hope my doctor is being honest with me. He seems to be a straight-shooter.
As far as how I feel, I feel pretty good....just tired...but I still work out, go to work, and I'm planning on playing in a baseball camp this summer...the doctor just said not to take a hit to the head.
I'm thinking the meds are what is making me feel a little tired?
Can I really "not" deteriorate? I'd be content to stay at the level I am right now.
I think the folks on these boards are the real experts so if you have any thoughts or wisdom, I'd appreciate it. Thanks everyone :-)
Quick recap: Age 44, not overweight, athletic, had sudden heart attack in October due to a congenital large artery and blood clot. Stent did not work so it remains occluded, lost 10-15% of heart. EF in October before leaving hospital was 48 on echo, EF in December on MRI was 46. Meds are Plavix, aspirin, 20mg Crestor, 5 mg lisinopril, and 12.5 mg (twice daily) metoprolol.
MRI revealed no other heart problems other than that area destroyed by the heart attack (doc says this is in an area of the heart that I should be ok with...and that I was lucky about that). I completed my cardiac rehab and now I work out 3 days per week.
I had my check up last week (roughly 6 months after heart attack).
Dr. told me I look fine, I have lost 22 pounds of actual weight intentionally, so I am down to 170 pounds. My blood pressure usually runs about 116/74. Not on a special diet, the doctor just said to eat smart and to "try" to keep my sodium under 2 grams per day...which I do most everyday! I have not had any swelling, etc.
My doctor told me that the EF (48 echo, 46 mri) probably would not go up but he would not expect it to go down either. But he said an EF of that number should not affect lifespan. He said that it is his opinion that if I continue to do what I am supposed to do, and if I do not have another heart attack, that I could live into my mid-60's, or 70's (I am 44 years old now). I was thrilled with this news!!! I am just wondering from you guys, is this realistic? I always thought an EF of under 50 was not a good sign (my EF was 48 on echo and 46 on MRI).
I hope my doctor is being honest with me. He seems to be a straight-shooter.
As far as how I feel, I feel pretty good....just tired...but I still work out, go to work, and I'm planning on playing in a baseball camp this summer...the doctor just said not to take a hit to the head.
I'm thinking the meds are what is making me feel a little tired?
Can I really "not" deteriorate? I'd be content to stay at the level I am right now.
I think the folks on these boards are the real experts so if you have any thoughts or wisdom, I'd appreciate it. Thanks everyone :-)
Also, given it was an event not a disease process your doctor is really sounding smart.
I think the hardest trick is to pace yourself.....slow down just one gear. Now thats tricky
Cheers Leanne
What did you mean about how well the meds are targeted these days? Thank you again :-)
Speaking of meds, I suspect they are making you feel tired (oh yeah, there's that heart attack thingee too!) Your doc can always adjust your meds to minimize that side effect, but I've yet to discover how to remove it completely. But, if you don't feel like a zombie feeling your way through a dreamlike haze 24/7, then I'd say, well aren't you the lucky one :-P
Now embrace your second chance & make us proud!