Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

End Stage Heart Failure?

I was diagnosed w/ dilated Cardiomyopathy 12 years ago w/ an ejection fraction of 25%.  They thought the cause of it was from alcoholism.  I have been sober since and began taking prescribed Lisinopril and Coenzyme Q10.  My ejection fraction went up to 40% and stayed that way for years.  2 months ago I began to have severe breathing problems and the Echo showed my ejection fraction was reduced to 35%.  The breathing problems progressed and I thought I had pnuemonia and went to the hospital where they said I had Congestive Heart Failure w/ ejection fraction of 25%.  The doctors are encouraging me to get a heart transplant, defibrillator and/or valve repair.  I am assuming that they think I am in end stage heart failure to give such suggestions.  I do not have fatal arrhythmias as of yet, although I do have some arrhythmias (have for years).  My question is that Is it necessarily End Stage Heart Failure or is there a chance to come back out of this?  They are now giving me Beta Blockers and diuretics and I am wondering if maybe these medications might keep me out of Congestive Heart Failure and maybe even strengthen my heart again to pull me out of Heart Failure.  I am not ready to die and I don't want a transplant.  Is there any hope for me?
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
I have got patients who have Cardiomyopathy and similar EF & they continue to be fine. Heart transplant is an option but is considered when there’re persistent symptoms and the patient needs recurrent admission into the hospital for the same. Initially, all the medications like digoxin, ace inhibitors, diuretics should be tried in the maximum dose before thinking of other options like heart transplant. You should also ensure that your fluid & salt intake is to the minimum. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.
Helpful - 1
1 Comments
What is the life expectancy of a moderate diabetic patient, with a heart EF of 25% and kidney GFR at 60% at age 67, who lives a sedentary lifestyle (with a controlled diet and visits doctor every week)? I wanted to know an approximation only for some insurance planning.
Avatar universal
Hi there John here the reason I have refused some meds is I have realised I was born with it and I have decided to change my life around fittness healthy living
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi I ha been diognosed with heart failure in the severe stages what ever that means and want try me on different meds and devices I have refused and researched my self and have realised my heart has been puny at 25% since I was born premature  and I have lived 40 years with pupping  issue and  will live another 40 health living no meds will help
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi lifeisgood77.  I do love your user name!  So, you have recently been diagnosed with congestive heart failure?  Why are you resisting medication if I may ask?  I do so want you to have the additional 40 years of life!  Tell us more and we hope we an support you.
Avatar universal
Did the meds work
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Congestive Heart Failure Community

Top Heart Disease Answerers
159619 tn?1707018272
Salt Lake City, UT
11548417 tn?1506080564
Netherlands
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.