I think I have heart failure
If you don’t want to read the whole post here are the questions I’d love your experience with:
When getting diagnosed did you need to go through a lot of tests?
How do I manage the anxiety and the weight of a potential HF diagnosis before that initial appointment?
How to prepare for my initial cardiologist appointment?
What is getting treatment for heart failure like?
Okay, so I’m unsure of where exactly to start. I’m 28F and significantly overweight. Please don’t be shitty to me about my weight, I’ve lost 54 lbs in the last year and kept it off and am continuing to do so. I also take responsibility for my weight getting to what it is and I’m sure it doesn’t help my current health problems.
I recently thought I had exercise induced asthma because when I walk to the point I breathe heavily I wheeze and my stamina isn’t getting better. So I got assessed and basically I don’t have any form of asthma. The doctor I saw strongly suggested that I see a cardiologist, my PCP referred me and I’m waiting for scheduling to call me.
For more context my mom died at 46 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
I get so winded from walking from the parking garage to the building I work in that I have to sit on a bench and take a break to catch my breath. The walk is about 1.5 blocks. I get winded walking around the office.
I also had pretty severe lymphedema in my lower legs. I did get treatment for that and it’s mostly under control at home now with compression garments. I do have another area in my midsection that definitely carries extra fluid.
I can’t breathe well when I lay down and it’s gotten to the point where I sleep in a seated position. Which I assume isn’t good for my body.
My heart beats so hard with lite movement, like sweeping my kitchen. But when doctors or providers listen to my heart they’ve all never said anything sounds concerning. Idk if that contributes to anything.
I have decided to make the transition to a heart healthy diet while I’m waiting for this appointment. I even pawned off my higher sodium/highly processed food to a couple neighbors. I’ll be continuing to walk and move my body.
Thank you all for reading. Please share whatever lived experience you’ve had that might be informative.