Time to say goodbye friends

[4Drago]

Thank you for sharing about this. I just got a call from my cardiologists office about this very same thing. I'm fucking freaked the fuck out. I immediately came to the forum to search for info on the 2 medications they prescribed, and found your thread. Reading about your ability to improve your LV EF is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm thrilled that you are doing better.

I'm 48, never ran gear or test or anything before. I want to start PED's, and put myself through a series of medical appointments before starting. I started HGH a month ago, been waiting to start test until I had a full overview of my health. My natural test right now is 623. I'm 5'10, 167, and fit.

Started with a calcium score, result was 45
Primary Care referred me to Cariologist
Cardiologist had me do a stress test and echocardiogram
Stress test results were great, it said my exercise capacity was "Excellent"
Then this afternoon they called about my echocardiogram, and said my LV EF was 45%, and to start taking metoprolol and valsartan.

I did not know what low LV EF was, so I asked if there was a name for the condition and they said "well, there isn't really a name for it, its just referred to as heart failure". Fucking soul jumped out my body hearing that.

I've calmed down after reading a bit about it and realizing that I'm not in heart failure right now.... hopefully.... I mean.... -


My echocardiogram results say:

LV EF by Simpsons method (biplane) is 45.2%
Borderline mild global LV hypokinesis
Indeterminate LV diastolic function
Normal everything else

Doctors treatment plan:

Metoprolo succinate 24mg
Valsartin 40mg
Get labs in a week to check liver after starting meds
Revisit in 3 months

My treatment plan additions:
Learn about everything that can improve this condition and do it.

My resting BP is already pretty low, 90ish of 50ish. My BP during the stress test was 127/77. I was worried that blood pressure medications weren't going to be the right way to treat this, but I read that they do impact remodeling of the heart, not just treat blood pressure. I'm going to have to be careful about being light headed when standing up and stuff. I hope I can tolerate them.

I'm on metoprolol 50mg daily and the sacubitril 49mg/valsartan 51mg combo pill 2x a day
I'm curious why they put you on half my dose. Maybe it's a size or weight thing cause I was 240-250lbs when I started the meds (maybe I was only 240... can't remember).
Oh, and you ARE definitely in heart failure with only 45% EF.
I definitely won't consider a cycle at all intil you get your heart figured out.

 

[readalot]

Thank you for sharing about this. I just got a call from my cardiologists office about this very same thing. I'm fucking freaked the fuck out. I immediately came to the forum to search for info on the 2 medications they prescribed, and found your thread. Reading about your ability to improve your LV EF is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm thrilled that you are doing better.

I'm 48, never ran gear or test or anything before. I want to start PED's, and put myself through a series of medical appointments before starting. I started HGH a month ago, been waiting to start test until I had a full overview of my health. My natural test right now is 623. I'm 5'10, 167, and fit.

Started with a calcium score, result was 45
Primary Care referred me to Cariologist
Cardiologist had me do a stress test and echocardiogram
Stress test results were great, it said my exercise capacity was "Excellent"
Then this afternoon they called about my echocardiogram, and said my LV EF was 45%, and to start taking metoprolol and valsartan.

I did not know what low LV EF was, so I asked if there was a name for the condition and they said "well, there isn't really a name for it, its just referred to as heart failure". Fucking soul jumped out my body hearing that.

I've calmed down after reading a bit about it and realizing that I'm not in heart failure right now.... hopefully.... I mean.... -


My echocardiogram results say:

LV EF by Simpsons method (biplane) is 45.2%
Borderline mild global LV hypokinesis
Indeterminate LV diastolic function
Normal everything else

Doctors treatment plan:

Metoprolo succinate 24mg
Valsartin 40mg
Get labs in a week to check liver after starting meds
Revisit in 3 months

My treatment plan additions:
Learn about everything that can improve this condition and do it.

My resting BP is already pretty low, 90ish of 50ish. My BP during the stress test was 127/77. I was worried that blood pressure medications weren't going to be the right way to treat this, but I read that they do impact remodeling of the heart, not just treat blood pressure. I'm going to have to be careful about being light headed when standing up and stuff. I hope I can tolerate them.

They aren't going to repeat echo with skilled technician? N=1?

WTF?

False positive? I can tell you some stories. Redo the echo and ask for transesophageal echo if need be. That is serious diagnosis based on 1 echo.

What Is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)?

A TEE is a test that takes pictures of your heart from inside your body, rather than outside. Learn how it works and what it can show.

my.clevelandclinic.org

 

[4Drago]

Thank you for sharing about this. I just got a call from my cardiologists office about this very same thing. I'm fucking freaked the fuck out. I immediately came to the forum to search for info on the 2 medications they prescribed, and found your thread. Reading about your ability to improve your LV EF is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm thrilled that you are doing better.

I'm 48, never ran gear or test or anything before. I want to start PED's, and put myself through a series of medical appointments before starting. I started HGH a month ago, been waiting to start test until I had a full overview of my health. My natural test right now is 623. I'm 5'10, 167, and fit.

Started with a calcium score, result was 45
Primary Care referred me to Cariologist
Cardiologist had me do a stress test and echocardiogram
Stress test results were great, it said my exercise capacity was "Excellent"
Then this afternoon they called about my echocardiogram, and said my LV EF was 45%, and to start taking metoprolol and valsartan.

I did not know what low LV EF was, so I asked if there was a name for the condition and they said "well, there isn't really a name for it, its just referred to as heart failure". Fucking soul jumped out my body hearing that.

I've calmed down after reading a bit about it and realizing that I'm not in heart failure right now.... hopefully.... I mean.... -


My echocardiogram results say:

LV EF by Simpsons method (biplane) is 45.2%
Borderline mild global LV hypokinesis
Indeterminate LV diastolic function
Normal everything else

Doctors treatment plan:

Metoprolo succinate 24mg
Valsartin 40mg
Get labs in a week to check liver after starting meds
Revisit in 3 months

My treatment plan additions:
Learn about everything that can improve this condition and do it.

My resting BP is already pretty low, 90ish of 50ish. My BP during the stress test was 127/77. I was worried that blood pressure medications weren't going to be the right way to treat this, but I read that they do impact remodeling of the heart, not just treat blood pressure. I'm going to have to be careful about being light headed when standing up and stuff. I hope I can tolerate them.

I'm on metoprolol 50mg and the sacubitril 49mg/valsartan 51mg combo pill. I'm curious why they put you on half my dose. Maybe it's a size or weight thing cause I was over 250 when I started the meds.

They aren't going to repeat echo with skilled technician? N=1?

WTF?

False positive? I can tell you some stories. Redo the echo and ask for transesophageal echo if need be. That is serious diagnosis based on 1 echo.

What Is a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)?

A TEE is a test that takes pictures of your heart from inside your body, rather than outside. Learn how it works and what it can show.

my.clevelandclinic.org

They should do one every 6 months minimum

 

[readalot]

They should do one every 6 months minimum

I am referring to a diagnosis based on 1 echo. Insane!

Huge analyst variability especially with new technician.

 

[readalot]

Thank you for sharing about this. I just got a call from my cardiologists office about this very same thing. I'm fucking freaked the fuck out. I immediately came to the forum to search for info on the 2 medications they prescribed, and found your thread. Reading about your ability to improve your LV EF is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm thrilled that you are doing better.

I'm 48, never ran gear or test or anything before. I want to start PED's, and put myself through a series of medical appointments before starting. I started HGH a month ago, been waiting to start test until I had a full overview of my health. My natural test right now is 623. I'm 5'10, 167, and fit.

Started with a calcium score, result was 45
Primary Care referred me to Cariologist
Cardiologist had me do a stress test and echocardiogram
Stress test results were great, it said my exercise capacity was "Excellent"
Then this afternoon they called about my echocardiogram, and said my LV EF was 45%, and to start taking metoprolol and valsartan.

I did not know what low LV EF was, so I asked if there was a name for the condition and they said "well, there isn't really a name for it, its just referred to as heart failure". Fucking soul jumped out my body hearing that.

I've calmed down after reading a bit about it and realizing that I'm not in heart failure right now.... hopefully.... I mean.... -


My echocardiogram results say:

LV EF by Simpsons method (biplane) is 45.2%
Borderline mild global LV hypokinesis
Indeterminate LV diastolic function
Normal everything else

Doctors treatment plan:

Metoprolo succinate 24mg
Valsartin 40mg
Get labs in a week to check liver after starting meds
Revisit in 3 months

My treatment plan additions:
Learn about everything that can improve this condition and do it.

My resting BP is already pretty low, 90ish of 50ish. My BP during the stress test was 127/77. I was worried that blood pressure medications weren't going to be the right way to treat this, but I read that they do impact remodeling of the heart, not just treat blood pressure. I'm going to have to be careful about being light headed when standing up and stuff. I hope I can tolerate them.

Get a 2nd test and 2nd opinion!!!

There are folks diagnosed with life threatening atrial septal defect based on regular echo that are confirmed to be perfectly healthy after TEE. Your post is shocking.

 

[Elektrobot]

I'm curious why they put you on half my dose.

Phone nurse said to get liver function checked after starting and that it might increase after that

False positive? I can tell you some stories. Redo the echo and ask for transesophageal echo if need be. That is serious diagnosis based on 1 echo

I started looking for another cardiologist to get a second opinion from and will ask for repeat testing

 

[readalot]

Phone nurse said to get liver function checked after starting and that it might increase after that


I started looking for another cardiologist to get a second opinion from and will ask for repeat testing

And a tech with many years of experience. Ask for the senior tech.

 

[Elektrobot]

Get a 2nd test and 2nd opinion!!!

There are folks diagnosed with life threatening atrial septal defect based on regular echo that are confirmed to be perfectly healthy after TEE. Your post is shocking.

I will ask for a TEE specifically, thank you for mentioning that test.

 

[readalot]

I will ask for a TEE specifically, thank you for mentioning that test.

Fuck yeah. If they are going to diagnose you with heart failure, they may want to prove it first. F!

 

[Elektrobot]

Fuck yeah. If they are going to diagnose you with heart failure, they may want to prove it first. F!

Messaged my current Dr asking for more testing, and made an appointment with a new Dr

 

[BamaCrazy]

Messaged my current Dr asking for more testing, and made an appointment with a new Dr

Did they mention any other changes to your heart beyond EF? Any thickening of the posterior walls? The American Heart Association says an EF from 41% to 49% is considered mildly reduced. It may or may not mean you are developing heart failure.

 

[Elektrobot]

Did they mention any other changes to your heart beyond EF? Any thickening of the posterior walls? The American Heart Association says an EF from 41% to 49% is considered mildly reduced. It may or may not mean you are developing heart failure.

The report didn't mention any thickening or enlargement

Stay on top of your health tests everyone

Get the basic things done and follow through with resolving any concerns

If I didn't go get my calcium score done, I wouldn't have been sent on a path to have this other testing done.

Google cardiovascular health screening or calcium score testing in your area. Mine was $45 bucks and took about 15 min

 

[4Drago]

Fuck yeah. If they are going to diagnose you with heart failure, they may want to prove it first. F!

This... 100%. Early in my post I said it was possible the VA completely F'd up my echo. So, I insisted on a second opinion outside the VA. At a minimum I was put on the correct meds to solve the issue. VA wanted me on baby aspirin... idiots.
You 100% MUST take your Healthcare into your own hands and not rely on the first doc you see. The Healthcare system in this country is a joke. Seems the VA will always be stuck in a DEI hire circle instead of hiring off experience and merit.

 

[readalot]

The American Heart Association says an EF from 41% to 49% is considered mildly reduced

It may not be what was listed on the echo report. May be much higher. Or lower. TEE will improve accuracy and you will get someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[malfeasance]

Thank you for sharing about this. I just got a call from my cardiologists office about this very same thing. I'm fucking freaked the fuck out. I immediately came to the forum to search for info on the 2 medications they prescribed, and found your thread. Reading about your ability to improve your LV EF is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm thrilled that you are doing better.

I'm 48, never ran gear or test or anything before. I want to start PED's, and put myself through a series of medical appointments before starting. I started HGH a month ago, been waiting to start test until I had a full overview of my health. My natural test right now is 623. I'm 5'10, 167, and fit.

Started with a calcium score, result was 45
Primary Care referred me to Cariologist
Cardiologist had me do a stress test and echocardiogram
Stress test results were great, it said my exercise capacity was "Excellent"
Then this afternoon they called about my echocardiogram, and said my LV EF was 45%, and to start taking metoprolol and valsartan.

I did not know what low LV EF was, so I asked if there was a name for the condition and they said "well, there isn't really a name for it, its just referred to as heart failure". Fucking soul jumped out my body hearing that.

I've calmed down after reading a bit about it and realizing that I'm not in heart failure right now.... hopefully.... I mean.... -


My echocardiogram results say:

LV EF by Simpsons method (biplane) is 45.2%
Borderline mild global LV hypokinesis
Indeterminate LV diastolic function
Normal everything else

Doctors treatment plan:

Metoprolo succinate 24mg
Valsartin 40mg
Get labs in a week to check liver after starting meds
Revisit in 3 months

My treatment plan additions:
Learn about everything that can improve this condition and do it.

My resting BP is already pretty low, 90ish of 50ish. My BP during the stress test was 127/77. I was worried that blood pressure medications weren't going to be the right way to treat this, but I read that they do impact remodeling of the heart, not just treat blood pressure. I'm going to have to be careful about being light headed when standing up and stuff. I hope I can tolerate them.

So, am I reading this correctly, that your blood pressure is only like 95/55?

 

[Elektrobot]

So, am I reading this correctly, that your blood pressure is only like 95/55?

Yes. Even lower in the evening and in the morning. I often feel like I'm going to black out. I thought it was low blood sugar so I bought a glucose meter. Then I started monitoring my blood pressure.

I don't think my heart is pumping efficiently... which is kinda the symptom of what the Dr. told me. My resting pulse rate is high, usually in the 90's, and my blood pressure is low.

 

[readalot]

Yes. Even lower in the evening and in the morning. I often feel like I'm going to black out. I thought it was low blood sugar so I bought a glucose meter. Then I started monitoring my blood pressure.

I don't think my heart is pumping efficiently... which is kinda the symptom of what the Dr. told me. My resting pulse rate is high, usually in the 90's, and my blood pressure is low.

Good information that the doc has, which we didn't. Please dont use AAS and get this figured out. Wishing you the best.

 

[Elektrobot]

Good information that the doc has, which we didn't. Please dont use AAS and get this figured out. Wishing you the best.

I was waiting to start until I felt everything was good to go. I won't start if it's not. Thank you for your well wishes.

 

[4Drago]

I was waiting to start until I felt everything was good to go. I won't start if it's not. Thank you for your well wishes.

45% is a lot better then my initial 34%. So even if they did the echo correctly I think your chances of improvement are very high. 55-60% looks very possible to me. I'm not a doc but the meds do work in a lot of cases.

 

[4Drago]

When my training created almost zero pump, getting very light headed, and extreme exhaustion, I knew something was very wrong. I already use a walker but still could barely make it out the door of the gym, and my blood sugar was perfect. All red flags.