Hello. I've been diagnosed with dystolic dysfunction after a right heart cath. Even though it's "moderate" I have symtoms sometimes of lightheadedness & shortness of breath, (on & off for years). They've gotten better since my bp is under control. My cardio & lung specialist (borderline low oxygen sat) both diagnosed. Can't seem to get much of an answer toward prognosis. Prior to diagnosis I was hosptialized several times, so I guess they would have known if I had experienced heart failure. I do need to lose weight (gained a lot, especially around the waist). Can anyone give me any insights on the treatment, prognosis, etc. thanks so much. Denise
p.s. I have no left heart problems, during cath my right side showed moderate dysfuction. My pressure was up but cardio said this is not "true pulmonany dysfunction"
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dystolic dysfunction
- By denisejoy
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 1:28 pm · 7 replies
- In My heart disease - diagnosis and symptoms
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- By HeartFailureDiva
- Posted October 27, 2009 at 12:06 am
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Well I'm still trying to understand my Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Distolic Dysfunction which they found from my left/right heart cath. well I'm in heart failure from mines. so i'm on several meds but my Cardiologists hasn't given me any details in the prognosis.
- By Lynnedz56
- Posted October 27, 2009 at 7:49 am
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I was diagnosed on 8/8/08. And was in heart failure at the time. (Almost dead the doctor said). I was also fluid overloaded and my kidneys were going. When you read on the internet, it is pretty grim. I have a great kidney doctor who explained what was going on and told me to restrict fluid and salt and that I most likely could not reverse things, but could contain it. 3 months later I had lost 50 pounds and was on the road to reversing things. And the doctor was amazed. We don't talke "prognosis" per se, but he tells me I can live a long life if I continue my progress. He told me this can come from years of uncontrolled high blood pressure along with years of having asthma. Our heart muscles don't relax to allow all the blood to leave our hearts. Our muscle is stiff. Additionally, I had an LAD stent put in on 5/14/09 and entered cardiac rehab. Last August I was lucky to get from my car to the door of Walmart before taking a rest. And it took me a week to dust, vacuum and "mop" my 1 bedroom Apartment. Last week, I cleaned the whole thing in 3 hours. And only took short breaks. I can shop the entire Walmart without a break. And I am exercising 45 minutes, 3 times a week. In other words, I intend to be around for a LONG time!! Don't care what the prognosis says. Nor do my doctors. As they said, Science has come a LONG way.
- By Annie7
- Posted October 27, 2009 at 11:35 am
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I too am a victim of DD. I have a BNP (Blood Test) done twice a year. This tells whether I am in heart failure or am heading for heart failure. So far I am only in Dysfunction and not Failure.
There are many causes of DD. Mainly seen in older women. Years of poor BP is a main cause as is plaque in the heart arteries. My Cardio told me on Friday that she has seen this reversed with good treatment and weight control. I have another Echo tomorrow.
Wishing better days for all.
Annie
- By HeartFailureDiva
- Posted October 27, 2009 at 1:38 pm
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well my BNP Don't never show anything but My Heart Cath Show fluid and my Chest X- Ray did. I know DD can comes from several of things. I take my meds everyday but we still trying to get my SOB under control but i do Also had Asthma and I have mild PAH.
- By denisejoy
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 6:37 pm
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thank you all so much for your replies. I have a doctor's appointment next Friday and will discuss blood tests and echos on a regular basis. Also, have been trying to follow your wonderful advice---been walking a few blocks every day (will try and build up to further walks), also have lost a few pounds, but need to lose more. My ankles have been swelling slightly and I'm short of breath on & off the last few days, (this concerns me.) These symtpoms have happened on and off over the past few years, but not knowing that it had to due with my heart, (as most heart tests until right cath showed nothing wrong), it didn't concern me as much as it does now. I guess I just don't want to "wait" until it's an emergency! Blessings, Denie
- By denisejoy
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 6:38 pm
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Annie,
Have you had any symptoms even though you're not in heart failure? I've read symptoms only come with heart failure and I've also read to the contrary. Thanks, Denisejoy
- By denisejoy
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 6:38 pm
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Annie,
Have you had any symptoms even though you're not in heart failure? I've read symptoms only come with heart failure and I've also read to the contrary. Thanks, Denisejoy
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