Scared about DH’s heart

[Scuba]

DH had one of two follow-up appointments today. The ECG showed that his PVC’s were 37%, far above the normal “nothing to worry about” level. The cardiologist decided he wants to do an angiogram as soon as possible, which is next Wednesday. The plan is to first explore to see if his PVC’s are due to another blockage. If they aren’t, the next step is likely to be an ablation procedure.

On the positive side, at least we have a plan to fairly quickly try to better understand and resolve DH’s issues.

However, this is very scary. The heart surgeon who performed his quadruple bypass in 2022 said DH was likely to live a normal lifespan without significant risk of further cardiac problems since his “plumbing” had been cleared out. The fact that he is having more heart problems makes me feel his prognosis is not as good as initially thought. We should know more next week.

 

[Koolau]

DH had one of two follow-up appointments today. The ECG showed that his PVC’s were 37%, far above the normal “nothing to worry about” level. The cardiologist decided he wants to do an angiogram as soon as possible, which is next Wednesday. The plan is to first explore to see if his PVC’s are due to another blockage. If they aren’t, the next step is likely to be an ablation procedure.

On the positive side, at least we have a plan to fairly quickly try to better understand and resolve DH’s issues.

However, this is very scary. The heart surgeon who performed his quadruple bypass in 2022 said DH was likely to live a normal lifespan without significant risk of further cardiac problems since his “plumbing” had been cleared out. The fact that he is having more heart problems makes me feel his prognosis is not as good as initially thought. We should know more next week.

Sounds like you've done all the things you can do for the best outcome. As you said: You now have a plan. Just take it one day at a time. Blessings.

 

[Montecfo]

DH had one of two follow-up appointments today. The ECG showed that his PVC’s were 37%, far above the normal “nothing to worry about” level. The cardiologist decided he wants to do an angiogram as soon as possible, which is next Wednesday. The plan is to first explore to see if his PVC’s are due to another blockage. If they aren’t, the next step is likely to be an ablation procedure.

On the positive side, at least we have a plan to fairly quickly try to better understand and resolve DH’s issues.

However, this is very scary. The heart surgeon who performed his quadruple bypass in 2022 said DH was likely to live a normal lifespan without significant risk of further cardiac problems since his “plumbing” had been cleared out. The fact that he is having more heart problems makes me feel his prognosis is not as good as initially thought. We should know more next week.

I have had the angiogram twice. First time was 18 years ago. Good results both times Good thing is it is an easy surgery typically, and no expectation of reduced lifespan. In fact they are hopefully catching any issue early.

My brother in law and a close friend gave both had ablations with excellent results. Both healthy, active guys.

Seems you are on a good path and will have some answers soon.

 

[Exchme]

DH had one of two follow-up appointments today. The ECG showed that his PVC’s were 37%, far above the normal “nothing to worry about” level. The cardiologist decided he wants to do an angiogram as soon as possible, which is next Wednesday. The plan is to first explore to see if his PVC’s are due to another blockage. If they aren’t, the next step is likely to be an ablation procedure.

On the positive side, at least we have a plan to fairly quickly try to better understand and resolve DH’s issues.

However, this is very scary. The heart surgeon who performed his quadruple bypass in 2022 said DH was likely to live a normal lifespan without significant risk of further cardiac problems since his “plumbing” had been cleared out. The fact that he is having more heart problems makes me feel his prognosis is not as good as initially thought. We should know more next week.

Sounds like there will be a way to treat the issue whether it's a blockage or an electrical problem.

If it's electrical, I can attest that an ablation is as easy as it gets for heart surgery. I had an ablation for AFIB three years ago and am doing great.

I had three parts to the surgical recovery plan -
-For 48 hours, push in on the surgical entry point (upper thigh near the groin) when rising to stand to avoid pushing out the plug they use to close the wound.

-No exercise for 7-10 days as they penetrate the heart wall between chambers and that needs time to heal.

-I think usually folks go home after 6-8 hours of laying flat in recovery (to make sure the surgical plugs are not bleeding). In my case, my electrophysiologist put me on dofetilide (Tikosyn) to help the heart and that required 48 hours of monitoring in the hospital. Had to take it twice a day for 90 days and you couldn't miss a dose, a challenge for my scatterbrained self. I'm not sure, I think that was unusual, but it was the plan up front, not a reaction to anything that happened in the surgery.

Any time there is something going with the heart, it's a scary time for sure, but it sounds like your husband is in good hands.

 

[Scuba]

Thank you all for the reassuring messages. I appreciate the positive thoughts and good wishes. Normally I’m a very independent person, but the fear of losing DH is strong. From both an emotional and a practical perspective, he is such a rock for me.

 

[simple girl]

Thank you all for the reassuring messages. I appreciate the positive thoughts and good wishes. Normally I’m a very independent person, but the fear of losing DH is strong. From both an emotional and a practical perspective, he is such a rock for me.

I get it. Same here. Thinking of you both!

 

[cmc333]

I want to add my good wishes for your husband. It is so scary to think of heart problems and I think waiting for answers is the worst part. I just had my 3 month follow up to my pacemaker/defib implant and I was surprised to hear that my pacer is actually doing a lot of the pacing of my heart. I don't feel it pacing me; I don't feel the low beats; I didn't feel the high rate either. Medicine has come a looong way in the last 50 years; DH actually worked for the company making the first pacemaker and defibrillator. His entire work life was in Quality/Reliability of pacers and defibs. He is amazed how far the industry has come and how intelligent the devices are now. Can I ask what medications your husband is on? Any of the "miracle drugs" for low EF?

Please try to not worry too much. Also, make sure you like the cardiologist - he will be such an important person in your life. Some just "tick" the boxes; others actually listen and treat according to the symptoms.

 

[Scuba]

Quick update - DH had 2 surgeries in the last 2 weeks and seems to be recovering well. More details below for those interested. Thank you all for the support!

DH had his angiogram week before last. It was discovered that he had one 70% blockage so they put in a stent. He has another 40-50% blockage, but the cardiologist said they don’t put in stents unless the blockage is at least 70%. I’m guessing that is due to insurance reimbursement.

While the stent surgery went well, I felt it was distressing that he has these blockages only 2.5 years after open heart surgery. In 2022, he made significant improvements in his diet and exercise and he has since also cut out alcohol and caffeine. Maybe the situation would have been worse had he not made the changes, but the cardiac surgeon and his cardiologist back in CA both said that it was unlikely he would have significant blockages since he had a quadruple bypass that cleaned everything out. Since it didn’t take long for these blockages to accumulate, his new cardiologist said that continuing his healthier lifestyle, getting regular ECG’s, and tweaking his medications are the best we can do.

Last week, he had ablation surgery to attempt to correct his PVC’s. The surgery lasted almost 4 hours but the doc said he was optimistic that it was successful. We won’t know until he has another ECG in 3 months as it takes a while to see the longer term impact. We are encouraged because for the first time since DH got his Apple Watch 3 months ago, the device is giving him normal EKG results. Before the surgery, it always said results were inconclusive.

Time will tell. He is on a slew of meds to lower his BP, cholesterol, and pulse, thin his blood, etc to take strain off his heart. Entresto is a more aggressive med they just put him on. When they do the follow-up ECG in early April, we will know more about whether his PVC’s have been reduced or eliminated and how his EF measures. I imagine close monitoring and further med adjustments will be a regular part of his future.

We had all of this done by doctors at Heart Specialists of Sarasota. He feels good about his medical team, but we also decided to get a second opinion at Tampa General/USF. It’s the best rated hospital anywhere near us for cardiology issues. He has an appointment there in January.

 

[Dtail]

Hope for his continued recovery. Good idea to go to Tampa General for a follow up.

 

[Montecfo]

Good that he had those procedures done! The ablation appears to have done the trick. If he is having some odd beats after the procedure I understand they settle out in a few weeks as heart heals.

If he is active in a bit surprised he did not have signs of a blockage while exercising.

I have a partial blockage also like his that they have not stented. Been quite a few years. They say they are treating it with medication.

2nd opinion is wise.

Scuba, as always best to you both for full recovery and peace about the path forward!

 

[Koolau]

Scuba, thanks for the update on your DH. Here is hoping for a great New Year for him, health wise. Blessings.

 

[Scuba]

DH is about to complete his cardiac rehabilitation program. He already had an echocardiogram which determined that his ejection fraction has improved from 40 to 50, the low end of the normal range. His PVC’s are under control and he feels great. His doctor told him yesterday that his treatment was successful and he’s back on a good path. The Tampa General doc said there is nothing they would do differently in terms of drug and rehab protocols.

This seems like a great outcome, at least for now. Thanks to all for your support!

 

[Luvtoride]

Scuba, thanks for the update and glad to hear that your DH is doing well and feeling good. Proper medical care and having faith/ trust in your medical team is so important.
I just found this thread and wanted to give you a couple of positive thoughts about my own heart history.
My dad died of a heart attack at 55 years old, after having had a couple earlier attacks in the years preceding. It made me more conscious of my own health and heart condition. I was already under a cardiologist’s care for high blood pressure and irregular (low) heartbeat. I had a mild heart attack 13 years ago at age 54. While in the hospital, my doctor implanted a pacemaker and put me on blood thinners (Coumadin back then, eliquis now).
I had my pacemaker replaced a 1 1/2 years ago (always a good sign to outlive the battery) and am monitored every 6 months with follow ups with my cardiologist. I’m feeling good and live a normal active lifestyle.
I’m presently in Italy with my wife and 13 year ago old granddaughter. Yesterday I climbed to the top of the Tower of Pisa. Yes, it was tough and I did stop for rests along the way, but I’m glad to say I did it and felt (and feel) fine.
I hope your DH continues his good progress and follows his doctors’ advice. All the best to you and your family!

 

[Dtail]

Good to hear the update Scuba. Being that I met your DH in person, I can picture him being happier and better.

 

[Koolau]

Scuba, SO good to hear your news. Thanks for sharing it with us. All the best to you and DH!

 

[Flieger]

I'm glad to hear of the success after reading through this thread! Also surprised to read that his blockages returned so quickly especially with his noted lifestyle changes. Definitely leans toward heredity. Look forward to hearing about continued success for years to come!

Flieger

 

[Teacher Terry]

Scuba, I’m glad that your husband’s heart surgeries went well. I have had tachycardia for 20 years with no problems but the last few weeks I get winded when exercising. I’ve been tired for months.

So I went to my doctor and now have a referral to a cardiologist and a pulmonary doctor since I also have asthma. However, my lungs are clear so probably not that issue. I decided at age 70 that I wasn’t going to take any chances.

 

[Scuba]

Thanks for the support, everyone! DH also recently went to see a cardiologist who is also a specialist on the effects of SCUBA diving on the cardiovascular system. Based on DH’s exercise stats and ejection fraction, the doc said DH can dive with no restrictions. Great news, although DH wants to think about it, it’s nice to know he is medically cleared by an expert!

 

[Dtail]

Great to hear. Perhaps a little at a time in terms of time spent under water.

 

[old medic]

Great to hear he can get back to diving