Pericardial Resection/Window - HFpEF, Pericardial Effusion

Regina, in response to your email, I am fortunate in that I only suffer from exhaustion and inability to do meaningful exercise with my HFpEF. I have normal BP, no swollen ankles, take no meds, maintained my low BMI, etc. What I have discovered since being diagnosed by Mayo and seeing my life go from one of regular long distance running and biking to barely having the energy to do a treadmill walk is that patients need to learn everything they can about alternatives available to them. It is an established fact that there are no medications, procedures, or protocols to lessen or resolve HFpEF. Trying to get into clinical trials for me has been one frustrating experience after another of being told I don't qualify as I am a "unique" patient. All that means is that I don't fall into the pigeon holes they want patients to fit into in order for them to meet the criteria set by the companies that are paying for the trials. In the meantime, I have become my own cardio researcher, subscribe to over a dozen journals, and follow up on any article that seems to offer some new thoughts. I have met with leading HFpEF researchers around the country. My next step is I'm paying 100% of the cost of getting a Corvia IASD implant in Germany in January inasmuch as I believe that either Corvia or V-Wave may offer some relief to my HFpEF exhaustion. I STILL have not heard anything further about the Mayo percutaneous pericardial trial in which I was originally suppose to be the first patient. I backed out of that trial when Mayo changed the protocol. Even thought they STILL call it "minimally invasive" (see Mayo's Cardiovascular Update, Vol l7 No. 2 2019), cutting through one's chest muscles and inserting a drain into the lungs is anything but "minimally invasive." Unlike you, I have not yet developed Afib, but my suggestion to you is to research the hell out of the medication prescribed to you and see what alternatives exist. Also, do not assume that just because you are seeing a cardiologist that your physician is knowledgeable enough to treat your HFpEF. Most know about cardiovascular disease; not HFpEF.

I have been diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF. So far, no major problems other than a persistent cough. I've had chest x-rays, CT scans, three endoscopies, blood tests. Nothing to show where the cough is coming from. No allergies, virus or cancer. Doctors' consensus is that it may be related to HFpEF. Anyone have comments on this? Thanks!

Hi @john6stodolka I see you joined Connect about a year ago, but this is your first post. I'd like to officially welcome you to Connect and thanks for joining the conversation. You will see I moved your discussion to an active post about heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF. The benefit in doing this means you can connect with other members who are experiencing the same health concerns as you are and discuss your individual experiences. I would like to invite @robschweiger, @jakedduck1, @bjanderson, @ninimurphy, @predictable, @thankful, @hopeful33250 and @johnbishop to join once again and discuss any updates they may have or just to welcome you.

One of our mentors John also offered some reference information from Mayo Clinic that might be helpful in your search for answers.
Confused about Stiff Heart, Diastolic Heart Failure, or HFpEF?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/confused-about-stiff-heart-diastolic-heart-failure-or-hfpef/
Video Q&A about Advancements in Cardiology and What They Mean for Patients: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-advancements-in-cardiology-and-what-they-mean-for-patients/

The first link that has a presentation by Dr. Timimi does mention a cough as a symptom. When did you first notice the cough? Did s/he suggest anything for relief?

I have exactly the same issue. I have had a persistent cough for a few years now, yet they seem to think it’s not caused by my diastolic heart failure with preserved ejection. I have had a chest x-ray that was clear. I went to an ENT who thinks it might be silent reflux and I’ve been taking Pepcid for many months with no change at all in the cough. I really wonder if it isn’t a side effect of the blood pressure medication, my first one was lisinopril which made me cough like crazy. I switched then to losartan , and then eventually to valsartan. Although the cough was never as bad as on lisinopril, it has remained ever since.

Hello @john6stodolka

I'm glad that you posted about this. I have a similar diagnosis as you and I also have a chronic dry cough. One of the groups of meds that are often used to treat this type of heart problem are called Ace Inhibitors. Perhaps you are taking one of those? I take Vasoctech which is an ACE Inhibitor. I've gotten used to the cough as I know the medication works really well to ease the burden on the heart. If you are comfortable sharing more information, what meds are you currently taking?

Here is some information from Mayo's website where you can see a list of the ACE Inhitibors and see if your med is one of them. As you can see, a cough is the first side-effect listed.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/ace-inhibitors/art-20047480
Will you post again?

Thanks for the reply! I am not taking anything other than L-Argenine, which was suggested by a cardiologist. The cough is a mystery. What's really weird is that I cough every time I bend over. (Other times, also.) I can get something off the floor or tie my shoes and invariably cough. Does your cough react similarly? Thanks.

Hello @john6stodolka,

The positional cough is indeed mysterious. If you are comfortable sharing more, can you share what type of cardiac testings has been done so far? I'm sure you have had an echocardiogram and perhaps a stress test. What about a cardiac pulmonary test? Similar to a stress test, but you have something in your mouth that records your pulmonary functioning at the same time it is recording your heart functioning, This type of test is not usually done in a typical cardiologist office but is usually done in a hospital and/or cardiac specialty setting. This might be a good test to consider with this coughing problem.

I was not familiar with L-Arginine prior to your post, but I did find this info on Mayo's website. Here is a link. It does mention that airway inflammation and/or increased asthma symptoms might be a side-effect. Just something to consider.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-l-arginine/art-20364681
Have you considered a second opinion at a leading heart center? I don't know what state you live in, but if there is a heart specialty center (perhaps connected with a medical school) it might be good to get a second opinion there. Also, the Mayo Clinic (3 locations) or Cleveland Clinic would be good choices. If you would like to consult with Mayo, here is a link for appointment information, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

I'm interested in knowing how you are doing. Will you continue to post?

@john6stodolka
hello john, ,to me it sounds like a left heart failure.. did your cardiologist an echocardiographic investigation? I had the same symptoms in spite of my pacemaker. Due to the extreme high atrium fibrillation (I don't feel them) my heart could not function properly, all 4 heart valves became insuffcient...
yoanne

I realize this thread ended some time ago. I’m trying to get input from anyone about Pericardial effusion. My uncle was just hospitalized for it and A-fib for the second time in the last several weeks. We are concerned and curious. This seemingly came out of nowhere. There seems to be so many potential causes. He’s never had heart issues before.

Hello @john6stodolka

It has been a while since you last posted about your heart conditions and the persistent coughing. How are you doing with that? Any changes or new medications?

I look forward to hearing from you again.