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

Newly diagnosed

gavinh
gavinh

Hi guysLooking for some clarity as I'm pretty confused atm.


Ive recently been diagnosed with heart failure, found out yesterday my EF is 35%. Just to add, I've never had any symptoms, my heart failure was found purely by accident about 6 weeks back.Doc has prescribed me with Bisoprolol and Ramipril.


Im 32, reasonably fit and do exercise regularly, have a decent balanced diet.


Questions: Doc said its reversible with pills and lifestyle change, is this correct as whatever i have read says its not?


What is my life expectancy, roughly?


Doc said to continue exercising, but what I've read says not to push limits.



Thanks in advance, and sorry if I've come across odd, I'm not to good at writing what i want to say.

RoboPop
RoboPop
EF is only a number that doctors use to gauge our progress. What's important to you is how you feel and how well you function. It is a well documented fact that many athletes have a low EF at rest and are asymptomatic. Don't let it get to you and drive you nuts. And for heavens sake make certain anything you read on the internet about any medical condition is up to date and from a reliable source.

Years ago, Heart Failure was a death sentence, in fact I'm well past my expiration date. Not so any longer, modern treatment regimens and medication discoveries have changed the game. I know many people who've had Heart Failure, also known as Congestive Heart Failure, for many years and still going. My Ejection Fraction (EF) has been as low as 10-15% and currently is running at 20%. I was diagnosed with end stage CHF 9.5 years ago and here I am still annoying my doctors.

I have found that an exercise plan, proper diet, significantly reducing sodium consumption, taking my medications, not irritating my wife, and maintaining a positive attitude are keys to longevity. and yes, some people are fortunate to improve their EF significantly, too many variables to predict that but rest assured you have a great prognosis for the future.

I wish you the best in your new adventure.
Pegdahman2
Pegdahman2
Isdin May 2015 I had a 20Ef I used to power walk 6 miles 5 to 6 times a week until this diagnosis. My EFC is now up to 40 I'm on Coreg moderate exercis I have been implanted ICD and defibrillator I've felt great for a year until May 2016 I've been having problems with dyspnea and I can't find a doctor to help me my advice is find a doctor who specializes in cardiomyopathy and heart failure only I found General cardiologist don't seem to take much interest or have much expertise NR kind of problems find a good specialist you might want to find a copy of the book called is your cardiologist killing you.
Roadtripray
Roadtripray
I appreciate the responses. I was just release from the hospital after being diagnosed with a 35 EF. I, too have been reading all the doom and gloom and have been very depressed thinking I won't get better. I have my first followup next week. Praying for better prognosis.
Lyd
Lyd
Hi Roadtripray! How is your follow up going? Hope you keep upbeat. I was diagnosed with CHF nearly a month ago. The start to work. I woke up quite fresh this morning and thankful that I can still take my shower standing up. Joining you in prayer.
Lyd
Lyd
Sorry typo. I mean, the medicine has started to work.