Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

I have CF with normal EF. I'm not sure about the diastolic part.

Hello @anng53

Yes, I understand what you are saying. I also have diastolic dysfunction with a normal ejection fraction. I understand the frustration that you are experiencing. Since my heart does not relax enough after exercise, I tend to feel exhausted, and this discourages me from many forms of exercise. Do you feel the same way?

Here is a link to another Connect discussion on this topic:
--Stiff Heart Diastolic Heart Failure
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stiff-heart-diastolic-heart-failure/
What type of meds, if any, are you taking?

It means my heart beats fine during the pumping out (systolic) phase but doesn't relax completely during the diastolic phase, so the heart doesn't refill properly. It is usually because the ventricle muscle is stiff. I don't know if that is the case for you.

I have been exercising in a cardio rehab program. It started very slow, but now I can exercise for 40 min on a stationary bike or treadmill. My energy is improved, and my heart rate and bp are down. I am taking plavix, spironolactone, Jardiance, and sometimes lasix. No beta blockers. Exercising is the best thing, plus diet and weight loss, I could have done, but it was in a cardio rehab program, medically supervised and starting at a level that shouldn't exhaust you. I had to ask for this, and it wasn't covered by insurance, but it was worth it. I walked nearly a mile with my husband today.

Hi elizaolson, Just checking in, were you able to talk with your Doctor?

I'm 90 and suffer from CHF due to leaking of the mitral valve. This condition plus my A-Fib results in a build up of fluids in my right lung that I have to have needle aspirated about every 6 months. Last time 1.2 liters were removed. I have to walk an extremely fine line on my water intake. I take Furosemide and if I drink too much water my lung fills faster and my symptoms of breathing difficulty and phlegm buildup increase dramatically. If I drink too little my colon dries out and my stool becomes hard and dry and results in chronic constipation which I have to treat with powerful laxatives such as enemas or suppositories or a trip to the ER. My Dr. says I should take just enough water to keep my colon wet so my stool is soft but won't tell me how much that is. I presently take 36 ozs. of water per day and have to take a cap of Miralax daily and am trying to find the right amount. HELP. Need advice.

I’m not much help because I have a very similar problem. 36oz of water sounds about right but that means to count all liquids like soup and tea milk etc per day.
I’m on Furosemide 40mg. Took both in the morning and I gained 6 lbs over the day. Now I’m worried about my kidneys overload of pumping. My belly was so big last night.

That's twice as much diuretic as I take. I would think that would make you lose weight as the water leaves your body.
I stopped the diuretic one day and my ankles and feet swelled up from the water and I went back to it the next day and the swelling went away.
I don't know nothin'.
Best ask your Doc.

I will call the Doctor tomorrow. They can’t spare more than 5 minutes with you or they don’t make enough money. Anyway I took one Furosemide this morning and one at 7 pm
Hopefully I get answers tomorrow.

My profile basically says it all besides all the side effects and progressive rate and what that brings to my everyday life.
I am 47 years old, going on my 4th year of dealing with CHF, I am in stage 3, borderline of 4.
Is there anyone out there with understanding, knowledge, or suggestions?
Even if just emotions and feelings one could share would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.