heart failure meds

[Lenore118]

Since my Bad MI 2 1/2 years ago doctor does a stress dobutermine twice a year to check my Ejection fraction. Three times (6 months apart) the stress part states EF 50-55%.  The resting part states: 45% I take metrolopol Titrate, ace inhibitor, 150/12.5,, 20mg of lasix every other day, crestor and Effient. I always had a very normal BNP in the past under 30 until this MI and now it dances from 160 to 300. My feet are terribly swollen as are the lower legs.  Doctor opened the RCA again via ballooning and BNP went thru the roof.  He did a plain ECHO.He could not find a good vein to use ombnison do did without that. ECHO showed on Ejection fraction and that was 25%.  Doctor called me at home and told me this.  He put me on 100mg of Spironolactone and 100mg of Metrolopol Titrate for 90 days. He ordered a Cardiac MRI and now this shows a ejection fraction (LV) of 42.  How can I bring this E-Fraction up to 50.  I feel poorly.  Thank You.

[tacolino]

Hi There. Im a bit surprised that its a stress test you have for testing EF. Usually its a standard echo (Ultrasound) test for EF.
The Spiro should help your Edema in the legs & feet. Are you mobile? How are your Blood Pressure numbers? The horrid feeling is possibly part caused by the meds, but what can you do? You say you had a bad MI, the damage caused to the Muscle is obviously effecting you too. Have you had an angio recently? How is your Kidney function testing results?
If your Bp was high and is now under control, the EF can improve as a result of controlling the BP . What is your exercise tollerance like? 42 is not the worst EF to have, but I can understand its hard to remain positive with all this going on. I suppose its a bit of a waiting game. Give the new meds time and you will surely have improvement. If your not happy with the Edema, go back to your doctor, keep at him till your happy with your treatment. Make a written list of all your concerns and get answers, that may help a bit. keep us posted.

[Lenore118]

Thank YOu.   I am a bit late in getting back. I apologize.  I am still swelling and it is a guessing game with the Cardio's in the clinic.   I am tired. of talking about it with them.  I sound like a broken record.  I am tired of describing an upper chest flutter that results in dizziness.  This is usually a 10 second thing.  They look at me like I am nuts. I tried ignoring it.  Last Spring I had a stroke in the cerebellum. They assume it must be A-Fib. Was not given TP-A.  I was never told I had A-Fib unless what I was describing to these Cardio's about the upper flutters is actually A-Fib.   A clot was seen in the cerebellum.   I am on Eliquis and was told I had to take it for life. I am having trouble breathing and stomache aches on Eliquis.  I am assuming it is the drug.  I am not  a happy camper.  I am in my 70's and use to have lots of P _ _ _ and Vinegar and care for 3 grandchildren but now I am down and out and yes, feel sorry for my limitations.   I feel if I was diagnosed with A-Fib before the stroke and placed on proper meds, I would not be suffering now.  I still have a murmer but this is not addressed. Mital Valve still is calcified with some stenosis. Aorta is good.  Past MI's (2) seen in Lad Septal area. EF wavers between 26 to 45.  I am also on Entresto  along with Eliquis and metrolopol Succinate.  Kidney blood work is good so far but Parathyroid hormone is always elevated. Calcium is normal.  TSH not good.  I am praying for better days.  Wishing better days for all those suffering.