Have periods of feeling tired and breathing heavily

[anne9325]

Hi.  I've had CHF for 3 years.   From time to time, I have periods - usually about 2 or 3 weeks - when I feel extremely tired and find it harder to breath.   Has anyone else had this problem?   What should I do when it happens?   Did I cause it by overdoing things, exerting myself too much?  

[gmachris518]

What you are saying sounds terribly familiar, as I've been going through the same things, and yes, heat seems to make it worse.

I, also have a CRT device, and take CHF medication, the doctor tells me I'm in GREAT shape, and that the turn around in my health is nothing short of amazing(a year ago I was on death's doorstep), but yet the heat knocks me off my feet.  

This last week I received an Iron infusion, because I'm anemic, and I feel A LOT better.  I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about what you're experiencing, and perhaps ask for a blood check.  

[anne9325]

Thanks so much to both of you - I am on CHF medications.   I also have a biventricular pacemaker (I hope I spelled that correctly).  

As for weather, I am living in Phoenix, and the temperatures were about 113, day after day, when this started.   I had been running errands in the heat, and I wonder if I just exhausted myself.  

I am so relieved to have a chance to talk to someone else about this-

God bless you both, Anne9325

[jrbon]

I have to be extremly careful with weather changes. Both too hot or too cold. have a devastating effect.

Jesus

[dolphin8808]

Are you on any kind of medications for the CHF? Usually a beta blocker / fluid pills. If you are not taking your fluid pills like you should it can cause the tiredness and the shortness of breath.

If you are still having these troubles, I would talk to your doc, they may just want to up your medication.