@tcokeefe
Well first off I’m not female nor do I have Heart Failure however you shouldn’t have a defeatist attitude. The glass is half full my friend not half empty. A positive attitude can do wonders and I’m not talking to hear my head rattle.
“A new study finds that a positive attitude can help prolong life. A recent study from Denmark published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that patients with heart disease who have a positive attitude live longer than those with a negative mood.” Negativity, sadness, unhappiness, depression and such will only hasten things. You can be an optimist or a defeatist it’s your choice. My cousin has had heart failure for far longer than 5 years and has plans that I couldn’t accomplish in a lifetime. He recently told me his plans for his 90th birthday, he’s 61.
Are you on oxygen?
Take care and be positive,
Jake

Hi @tcokeefe. I am a 67 year old female who was diagnosed with diastolic heart failure 5 years ago. I know the feeling you are experiencing. I’ve been told by my cardiologist and an electrophysiologist, that the 5 year mark is not accurate. It all depends on the person. I’m hoping to see my grandchildren grow up. I try to exercise and eat
right. I am in Afib all the time now but my meds seem to be helping, at the moment. I try not to read too much on the internet but searched all I could the first year or so. Good luck to you. Wishing you a Happy, healthy New Year!!👍🏻

don't worry that much !!! the diastolic heart failure involves the left chamber of your heart, mostly due to a thickness of the wall after a long undiagnosed hypertension. the main factor for the prognose is the EF, that means ejection fraction of the left chamber. and of course the hypertension should be treated. If the left atrium is enlarged ( because of the diastolic failure, more blood in the atrium) the mitral valve can become insufficient. even then there is a solution ,as the cardiologist will put a mitral clip around the valve (no operation, katheter)
yoanne

Hello @tcokeefe

I'm glad that you were comfortable sharing your concerns here on Mayo Connect. I am about your age as well and was diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction (DD) over 20 years ago. It is scary to think of heart failure, isn't it? It certainly was for me as well.

When I was diagnosed I was having terrible fatigue after exercise. I just love to exercise and so this was a real let-down for me. However my EF (ejection fraction has always been good) so it hasn't been of great concern to my cardiologists. Also, I just started with the coughing symptoms but very little shortness of breath.

Do you know what your EF is? You can find it on your echocardiogram report, It might say EF or it might be spelled out "ejection fraction." If that is good and you don't have edema (swelling) in your extremities those are good indicators.

We do have a discussion on DD here on Connect. Here is the link,

Perhaps as you read these posts by other Members you will have some additional information to help you think about this new diagnosis.

Did your echo show any heart valve problems? Do you know your EF? (If not, look at the report (or get a copy of it from your doctor) and find out what it is. Are you taking any meds for this condition?

I look forward to hearing from you. Will you post again?

Hi Teresa and thanks for all the information! Yes, I have normal EF. I do have shortness of breath (past few years but markedly worse past several months - that's what sent me to cardiologist - for a long time I thought it was just age and out of shape but began regular walking about a year ago but breathing not only didn't get better but worse!) and persistent cough (also a few years - GP thought might just be post nasal drip...). I have a history of very mild mitral valve regurgitation, but not considered a problem. No swelling of ankles/legs but from what I'm reading, i think that is related to right side issues, and coughing is left. Question: it's my understanding (but believe me, this is all new to me and just starting research and NOT much out there for this condition!) that DD precedes DHF. That once you start symptoms like cough or shortness of breath it becomes DHF. It seems first two stages of DD don't necessarily produce "symptoms" other than what shows up on medical tests like Echo. ?? Thanks again!! I'm so glad I found this forum!

@tcokeefe I have moderate aortic regurgitation. Here is some information, which you may already have, regarding DD from Mayo Clinic's website. It speaks of DD with preserved ejection fraction. Here is the link,

I'm also glad that you found this forum. While Connect cannot diagnose problems or give medical advice, it is nice to post with others who have the same problems. As one of our mentors always says, "We are better together."

By the way, @tcokeefe, what medications are you currently taking for this heart condition?

I totally agree! And just not feeling so alone and that maybe odds are you CAN survive past 5 years! Thanks so much and I’ll take all the support and connections I can get!

Get on Spirolactone, possibly Hydrochlorothyozide, Farxiga, plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stay hydrated with pure water with a little fresh lemon.