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

@mikeydc2008

I would get a second opinion

I think an echo only looks at the heart"s parts. The chf is talking about how it beats and electrical impulses.

@shmerdloff — Yes, I am starting to think and move in this direction, too. I am thinking about following up on my abnormal ECG/LAFB findings and getting more advanced Electrophysiology testing. I may go to Cleveland Clinic or Johns Hopkins for this. Additionally, I have been having episodes of overnight fluid retention of more than 2 lbs. And that is something new for me!

@mikeydc2008
That kind of water retention is a red flag. Says your pumping system is struggling to get get of the water. Among your meds you"ll get diuretics.

@shmerdloff — Yes, thank you! I am taking my Lasix and Potassium!!!

@mikeydc2008
I have on my medical history being diangosed with CHF. But I have never had the symptoms.

My diagnosis was cardiomyopathy non schsimic (spell) cause (most likely a virus or infection causing scar tissue). I asked my doctors about why the CHF diagnosis when no symptoms. I was told when diagnosed with heart failure the "norm" is to list as CHF.

I don't like the label as told my lungs are clear since being diagnosed 26 years ago and never had any doctor say lungs are congested. I am an active exerciser.

@jc76 — It’s good to hear you never had to deal with congestion! I have never had to deal with congestion either. How do you handle your “Cardiomyopathy” diagnosis? Do you think Cardiomyopathy affects you as you exercise? I want to do more hiking and exercising. I am worried about the conduction disorder in my heart since a Left Bundle Branch Block was discovered last week. I think I will see an Electrophysiologist (EP) for possible treatment. Thank you for your help!

An Echo Cardiogram of the heart typically looks for the ejection fraction of the left ventricle per heart beat. A diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure will typically include other comorbidity conditions like Renal/Kidney Disease, hypertension, etc. which you may have plus your new diagnosis of LBBB. Please take care, watch your diet and exercise if you’re able. You should be thankful your echo was normal since you’ve got plenty going on already.

@mikeydc2008, welcome to Connect. I can understand why you’re confused when you’ve been told by several doctors that you have heart failure and now a cardiologist is telling you that you don’t.

Before deciding what to do next, I wonder if it would help to get very specific about what changed. Do you have copies of the echocardiogram reports from when you were diagnosed with heart failure and the more recent echo that was considered normal? If so, have you asked your cardiologist to compare them and explain what findings previously supported the diagnosis and why he believes they no longer do?

You mentioned considering another opinion at a major medical center. Having your previous reports, current report, medication history and a clear list of the symptoms you’re experiencing could help another cardiologist understand the full picture.

Since you specifically mentioned Mayo Clinic, here’s information about requesting an appointment if you’d like to pursue that option:
- Mayo Clinic appointment
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Has anyone actually walked through the old and new findings with you side by side?