What does it mean to have CHF diagnosis, symptoms, normal echo?

Don’t really know how to help you with this, but who made theCHF diagnosis and what was the basis for that?

The basis for my Congestive Heart Failure diagnosis was an echocardiogram and my symptoms. Many different doctors in many different places have diagnosed me with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Given that, I do not know what to think now when a cardiologist tells me he does not think I have Heart Failure. He told me my abnormal ECG and all my symptoms are due to getting older. And we do not need to do anything.

@mikeydc2008
I don't see where "getting old" is a rule out differential diagnosis for congestive heart failure. Suggest you duscount the "good news"

@jcblubaugh @mikeydc2008
Agree with @jcblubaugh what was your medical provider diagnosis of why CHF.

I was diagnosed with CHF also. But I have heart failure. I have always questioned the CHF as I thought indicated had congestion in lungs do to weak heart. But I have no congestion on my lungs ever.

And I was diagnosed with heart failure in 2000. It is now 26 years later and I enjoy exercising ever day even though my EF is in the 20s.

@jc76
I was first diagnosed with Diastolic Dysfunction 1 via echocardiogram. At first, I was given only Atorvastatin (Lipitor) half doses to treat my high cholesterol. I consistently had slightly high blood pressure readings but wasn’t prescribed anything for that. I kept gaining weight and swelling and aching (feeling sore all over) until I could barely walk. I was following a vegetarian diet and was not eating much. I was referred to cardiology and told them all these symptoms. They diagnosed me with Diastolic Heart Failure (HfPEF) II/C and prescribed the usual suspects (medications).

@mikeydc2008
Sorry to hear that. I had high blood pressure like yours not very high like 140/90. Back then it was not treated. In today's world it would have been. I think over the decade of not treating it caused my heart failure (heart got bigger due to BP).

Do you have access to a major medical institution? Like a Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins. If so I would try to get a second opinion as you need to be treated as an individual and specific medications and care specficically to your condition and symptoms. Those institutions do that. I go to Mayo since 2006.

There is many things that can be done both physically and medication to help you with your HF. I was told by one cardiologist his experience with HF was 1/3 get worse, 1/3 stay the same, one third get better. It is the 1/3 group you want to be in so you need as advanced and tailored plan for you.

What group am I in. I am in the 1/3 who stay the same. My EF is in the low 20s but been that way for over a decade.

When you were having your symptoms were you having any swelling of feet and legs? I real sign of HF not getting enough water out. There are medications for this.

Did they recommend exercising? If not asked why. I cannot no longer jog but I do water aerobics 5 days a week. And walk in the water in addition to that . It takes (water) your weight off but you can still get aerobic exercise to to the level your cardiologist feel is best for you. Ask about it

@jc76
Thank you for your help and concern! I think it’s pretty impressive you have kept your health the same for more than 20 years. I try to get out and walk (it’s more of a hill country hike around here) for 3-4 miles once or twice a week. I am able to breathe better now (since starting Kerendia). I used to jog 3-5 miles twice a week and workout at a gym. I am thinking about getting back in the gym again to walk on the treadmill and do some light exercise. I like swimming and I think light swimming or pool exercises would help me. Thanks!
I am thinking about traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL or Cleveland Clinic or Johns Hopkins to get the more advanced exams and personalized treatments.
I admit to being frustrated with my constantly borderline high blood pressure. I have doubts about increasing my Metoprolol prescription in the future.
I want to wish you the best and say thank you!

@mikeydc2008
Oh yeah! Swimming. Non weight bearing. Exercises and oxygenizes eveeverthing.

@jc76 Regarding your low EF - Has your Doctor ever discussed Entresto with you?
My EF was in the low 40’s when first measured. My Doctor prescribed Entresto (I take the generic one to reduce the cost), and ok’d my increasing my exercise levels. In one year, my EF moved into the mid 60’s.

Yes all the way back to 2006 I was put on Entresto and Coreg.

Your present EF is normal now per my doctors information of normal being 50-70. That is excellent.

I was told many years ago that those with low EF and heart failure taking medications that 1/3 will get better (you), 1/3 stay the same (me), and 1/3 get worse (neither of us).

I am jealous of your success but I think should be happy mine was stabilized (over 10 years same EF) as was going down and down before the medications.