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Is it normal to feel tired all the time and have no energy?
I am a 63, soon to be 64 yo woman. I have a 4.1 aneurysm in my ascending aorta. I also have a moderate leak in my left ventricle, murmur and palpitations, had DVT's in my right leg. I don't like it at all, I have always been active and feel like I have aged a lot in the last two years. In the past year or two (diagnosed in 2024) I have noticed I do not have the energy that I used to have and it is more upsetting to me than the diagnosis itself. At first I thought it was psychological, but I def feel it if I over do it. (dull pain in my chest, trouble catching my breath)
Has anyone else noticed changes in energy levels since being diagnosed? i.e. tires easily, no energy to do anything, hard to get through small tasks.
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Hi, @kearya. I got a diagnosis of a 4.5cm aneurysm and a high CAC score at the same time in my early 60's. I'd say it had a big psychological impact, but it didn't really affect my energy. Has a cardiologist looked into the source of your lack of energy? If you haven't discussed it with your physician, for my 2 cents, you should. What you are describing sounds like it could be many things, but one of the things it makes me think of is cardiovascular problems, the leaky valve or possible some kind of CAD or CMD. But again, who knows. It may not be cardiovascular at all.
Better safe than sorry is what I've always heard WRT getting these kinds of things checked out by a physician. Good luck. Keep us posted.
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1 ReactionHello....the "moderate leak" in your left ventricle could be a cause, especially if that hasn't been a longer term problem. Other issues may be contributors that you're not aware of. You might consider asking your PCP for a full blood workup that could lead to other findings. Since you've been active and the fatigue you describe is not normal for you, you should investigate further with your PCP's help.
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1 ReactionWhen your aneurysm was diagnosed did the doctor prescribe any new medications like statins or blood pressure. There are side effects of those medications that could cause a loss of energy.
Hi kearya @kearya, I was diagnosed with anemia before I had my surgery. The low Ferritin (9) was the cause of my tiredness. After taking Iron and my Ferritin became higher, I felt better and less fatigued.
@wtamminen She, Cardiologist, suggested a statin, but I told her I do not do statins. And as far as BP, mine in very good. Never high. So that rules out meds.
Some days I am good. Other days I physically just can't.
@bitsygirl my Cardiologist has ordered a few tests for the end of this month. Nuclear stress test, ultrasound for the leak, and ultrasound on the veins in my legs.
With all the research I have done with Dr. Google, I feel like it's the leaky valve as well. But I am sure I will get answers soon. Thank you
@pdehaan That is the first thing she, my Dr., brought up when I told her lack of energy. Depending on what my tests at the end of the month, she may order blood work. I am already on Eliquis and she wants me on a baby aspirin as well, So, I will have to look into the effects of that on my iron levels.
Thank you everyone for the responses. Looking at the possible anemia angle, looks like the Eliquis I am taking might be contributing to anemia. So, there is something else to ask my doctor. Thank you again for the help.
No, lack of energy is never "normal" unless you have run a race or been overworking or depressed.
Three primary things when lack of energy strikes: anemia (causes lack of oxygen delivery and nutrients to the cells), heart issues, or respiratory (oxygen) issues. Other secondary causes are sleep issues, mental health issues. Tertiary are: social issues.