How do we define heart failure? Am I correct to say that it does not refer to an absolute state but more to the degree of inefficiency of the heart in performing its function? Is it true that when a person has heart failure, it doesn't mean that his/her heart is going to stop beating soon, and that death is imminent?
A cousin of mine has had chronic atrial fibrillation since 3 months ago.
All who suffer from heart disease have a statistically higher risk of a heart failure than does the general population who do not have heart problems. This is true too as we go into higher age groups, the older one is the more likely they will experience a physical failure of some type or another.
I suffer from AFib myself and know I am at higher risk for additional heart problems, and for stroke even though I take an anticoagulant (Warfarin).
I was diagnosed with RHD (mitral stenosis) and had mitral valvotomy done in 1988(open heart surgery/splitting open the mitral flaps) when Im 30 as I was planning for a family. I'm 51 yo now and I underwent gastroscopy & colonscopy at a hospital in Mar2010 as I was experiencing food poisoning and abdomenal distension, Results were clear except for a minor ucler in the small intestinal wall. A month later, my legs swelled and I was warded for CCF and atrial fribillation.
I believe it could be a FATAL mistake if you stopped taking the warfarin. Mechanical valves will clot without warfarin and this could cause a heart attack, stroke or heart failure and could cause you to have to have another open heart surgery. PLEASE ,PLEASE talk to your doctor about any changes in the warfarin.
I am on warfarin with pulmonary embolism for the 2nd time which this time caused right sided heart failure. I experience lately a feeling as if I am going to pass out, it then goes away. Last night I woke up twice with this feeling and I had a rapid heartbeat. Is this something to worry about?
Also, is right sided heart failure really curable or will it just get worse over time?
My husband has been diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and his arotic valve doesn't close properly, and he had a defibulator put in about three months ago. He has been on hemodialysis for 9 years. He has just finished 6 weeks of IV antibiotics for an infection that attached to his arotic valve and also in the lining of his heart. Dr.
My hubby was first diagnosed with renal failure when he was 30. (he is now 40). The blood clotting started when he was about 23. The doctors could not give him a proper answer as to why and never tested his blood, even with the build up to the transplant, for any issues. He was on dialysis for a 18 months before his dad gave him a kidney and now, 9 years later, that kidney is failing as well. He was in hospital for a month in Jan and landed up in ICU with blood clots in the lungs.
I have had four (best I can remember) electro cardioversions, two of them lasted about 18 months, albeit I was taking propafenone and warfarin during these NSR periods. The other two lasted much less time and the last, following the failed maze procedure lasted only 5 days. So, I am no longer a candidate for electro cardioversions, and it seems not justified to try Ablation, and I have choosen not to try the heavy duty drugs. The strongest I have used is Rythmol SR 425 mg twice a day.
The first time, the doctor said she was in kidney failure. They took her off all of her blood thinner, Warfarin, and stated he would not give it to her for fear of her falling and causing internal bleeding. He also took her off of her lasix, because this contributed to kidney failure. He would only release her to a nursing home and would not write an order to resume the blood thinner or the lasix.
If the A-Fib has been occurring for 2 days or more, then they will usually administer warfarin for a few weeks before the shock because there would otherwise be a very high risk of stroke. The Warfarin (anti clotting medication) would also be given for several weeks after the shock. The key factor is finding the cause of the A-Fib, for example the thyoid gland.
Enalapril 20mg, Bisoprolol 2.5mg, Warfarin 5mg - I was taken off Amiodarone 100mg a year ago.
My question to forum members really boils down what information I should seek from the Consultant in order to keep abreast of what exactly is happening to my cardio function and furthermore, to understand the options open to me - how for instance do I conduct my activities in order to achieve the optimum outcome.
The new cardio did not order any blood work or echo and ret in a yr. He wants me to do warfarin (a protein S deficiency, needed heparin during pgs,travel and was on warfarin for about 6 mths after the PE and cardiomyopathy).
Q's: What should I do about my recent cholesterol numbers (fasting numbers), aside from more strict dietary approach. I eat a good low fat,low salt, fresh vege/fruit, cereal diet already.
After spending 8 days in the hospital getting my heart back into sinus rhythm (3 cardioversions + Tikosyn) I am back to Afib (off the Tikosyn) and have a 'normal' heart rate of 100 now. I presently take Lisinopril, Digoxin, Warfarin, and Carvedilol. Is 'my present condition' truly something that should not cause concern to me. Isn't being in constant AFib causing my chances of a stroke to rise considerably???
All occurred with activity and were relieved by rest and sublingual nitro. Her daily medications include Digoxin 0.125 mg, Furosemide 40 mg, Warfarin 5 mg, Lovastatin 20 mg at HS. Captopril 12.5 mg. KCL 20 mEq BID, and the nitroglycerine described above. We are to describe the pharmacological treatments present in this persons treatment plan.
Given that yesterday he said to not take the warfarin he was changing me from the genertic warfarin and putting me on the brand name of the med coumadin. Said some folks do not tolerate warfarin well but do well on coumadin and i am to start the coumadin today. I would be lying if i didn't say i am a bit gunshy at this point. This med has made me absolutely miserable and today is my 43rd bday...
Strict diet and taking care of other causes like diabetes or hypertension can only prevent/delay the progression of kidney failure, it cannot normalize the kidney function. For this the underlying cause for the failure needs to be treated namely the polycystic kidneys.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
I have congestive heart failure and had an infarction rate of 24. Have a valve that leaks. I have a pacemaker/defib mechanism (2nd one) and I think I do great. I am still working (sedentary job), am an active grandmother, lovely life. I am getting tired again... feel like I have to stop and catch my breath (NOT during exercise)... dizzy. After the device, cardiologist says I just need to come in once a year... I should be fine. I am going to another doctor..
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