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."

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Heart Failure Support Group

echo update

HildaRuth
HildaRuth
Just wanted to let everyone know that my echo came back and my EF has not improved.. It is still 30-35%, So I have an appointment with a specialist to see if I need a defibrillator put in. Does anyone have any advice or knowledge about them. Any questions I need to ask.. etc.
Thanks. HildaRuth
deleted_user
deleted_user
My EF initially was at 10%. Dr told me anything below 35% you need a defibrillator. This was Jan 09. Sent me home wearing an external defibrillator provided by LifeCorp. They charged my insurance $3,200.00 per month. Wore that thing for 6 mos. After 6 mos EF was over 35% Dr said no need for a defib or an ICD.

Just stay positive, eat right (cut back on sodium) hopefully you won't need one. Get a MUGA test before agreeing to an ICD. MUGA shows 3D and better measurment of EF.

Mark
kevk
kevk
Hi
For info on ICD`s ( Implantable cardio defibrillator) the best place I know is icdsupportgroup.com . There are three major brands Boston scientific, Medtronic, St Jude. They also do more than just defibrillate they do different types of pacing depending on what treatment you need. Next month makes nineteen years since my implant, If there is any questions I can help you with please feel free to ask. I would check out the web site and read some posts.
kevk
kevk
The web site is icdsuppourtgroup.org sorry.