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I have been told there are two types of heart failure: systolic and diastolic. When EF is low, the HF is systolic.
In my case, I have adequate EF, but I have been told that my heart is "thickening" and I have diastolic HF.
To circle back to the original question by katieketeny (who also has thickening), I am taking both Flecainide and metoprolol; both of which are prescribed by my EP and my cardiologist. I do not have a HF specialist.
While I have had AFib several times in the past (currently in NSR), no one has told me that AF could have caused this thickening, so I find that very interesting. FYI... I have been on Xarelto since my first instance of AF.
I have been wondering about this diagnosis of diastolic heart failure and what could have caused it since my EF is over 60. I am also concerned that it could be progressive.
Any information on Diastolic Heart Failure would be helpful. Thanks!
Replies to "I have been told there are two types of heart failure: systolic and diastolic. When EF..."
@bettycll, heart failure can be confusing. You might be interested in this related discussion where Mayo Clinic cardiologist explains:
- Confused about Stiff Heart, Diastolic Heart Failure, or HFpEF? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/confused-about-stiff-heart-diastolic-heart-failure-or-hfpef/
I'll also post his video here where he explains
Dr. Farris Timimi, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and heart failure specialist, describes the phenomenon of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, in which the heart has difficulty filling before pumping.
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I have never heard HF referred to as systolic or diastolic. The ventricles are the source of HF and you have a RV and LV. The LV is what pumps blood to the body the RV pumps blood to lungs.
My diagnosis showed my EF was confined to LV and was in the 40s, then 30s. and that is when I got as second opinion at Mayo Jacksonville. I had consultations there with EP and HF specialists and changed my medications and had a ICD/Pacemaker implanted in 2006.
My EF had remained stable now for almost 20 years around 25. Since I do not have HF on right ventricle I do not get short of breath. I am able to have no restrictions on exercise. I am told by HF that my body compensated very well from lower EF.
I think making the choice of second opinion at Mayo changed my outcome. Even though my EF is very low it is stable and not gotten any worse in almost 20 years.
I think my HF was caused by high blood pressure over many many years of not getting it treated. I also had a LBBB caused by a virus in LV that screwed up my electrial signals and did not know it was contributing to HF in LV.
I have not been told have thickening just enlarged heart which is usually caused (I am told by my doctors) that heart was working harder and got bigger. That is why BP and electrial issues are addressed to keep heart from working so hard via my HF and EP.
I don't think I was able to address the Diastolic HF you mentioned but I did try to address what expereince I do have.