Hello @harmonybentley and welcome to Mayo Connect,

I am glad that you mentioned this topic. Yes, stiff heart, is a rather unusual term. It can also be known as diastolic dysfunction. This is something that I have as well. There are different reasons for it. In my case, it is related to valvular disease (aortic valve). Here is link from Mayo's website about this, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-valve-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353727.

Here is some information from the American Heart Association about the term, stiff heart, https://www.heart.org/en/search?searchText=Stiff+heart

While stiff heart does sound like a very ominous disorder, it's not all that bad. It depends a lot on your ejection fraction (EF). You can find out what your EF is by looking at your echocardiogram report. While I've had diastolic dysfunction for well over 20 years, my EF is still high so I don't have any serious symptoms like edema (swelling) in the extremities. I do, however, get very tired after exercise.

There are great meds to help the heart function better when it is stiff and not pumping the way it should. ACE Inhibitors are very good, I take one a day. Also, beta blockers are good as they keep the heart rate from getting too high. I take one of those as well.

@harmonybentley, How long ago were you diagnosed with "stiff heart"? What type of heart-related symptoms do you have, i.e, shortness of breath, swelling of hands, feet, pain, fatigue when you exercise, etc.? Are you taking any meds now?

It sounds as if you had a scary start to this heart problem, @harmonybentley. I am so glad to hear that you got to the ER quickly and treatment began. As I mentioned in my first post to you, there are great medications for treating heart failure. I wish you well as you follow up on this.

Is the diuretic (water pill) the only med you are taking now?

Hi @harmonybentley, I'd like to add my welcome. You may also be interested in readying this discussion about diastolic heart failure (stiff heart) where you'll read posts from members like @jigglejaws94 @c410djh @thankfulalways @mpeters @ninimurphy @bjanderson @lioness and more.

Harmony, I hope you have a physician or team of physicians who oversee the management of your particular set of multiple chronic conditions. It can't be easy to navigate the drugs to have effective management and also avoid potential drug interactions. Do you have a good relationship with your pharmacist? Pharmacists are great partners in one's care.