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What other symptoms of the broken heart syndome can one suffer from?

By Anonymous January 11, 2013 - 5:02pm
 
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I am a 38 year old mother of twins. I have been married for about 10 years. I have had my heart broken by my spouse time after time. I have had a heart catherization and my EF is only 30%. I am diagnoised with CHF, but the cardiologist stated that there is nothing wrong with my heart. No blockages, only the pump is slow. I take medications but I feel like they are not working. I have quit my stressfull job and I am a little happier. But I am still concerned with why my cardiologist states that all of my symptoms are in my head. If I improve what's going on in my head my heart will heal. Could this be a true statement.

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Hello Anonymous,
First, I am truly sorry to hear that you have had your heart broken repeatedly during the ten years of your marriage.

Secondly, I think it is time to find a new cardiologist.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It is a very real cardiac condition.

As explained by the Mayo Clinic, "Heart failure often develops after other conditions have damaged or weakened your heart. Over time, the heart can no longer keep up with the normal demands placed on it to pump blood to the rest of your body. The main pumping chambers of your heart (the ventricles) may become stiff and not fill properly between beats. Also, your heart muscle may weaken, and the ventricles stretch (dilate) to the point that the heart can't pump blood efficiently throughout your body. The term "congestive heart failure" comes from blood backing up into — or congesting — the liver, abdomen, lower extremities and lungs."

Ejection fraction (EF) is a test that determines how well your heart pumps with each beat. In most cases, the term “ejection fraction” refers to left ventricular ejection fraction..

Information from the Cleveland Clinic states, "An EF of less than 35% increases the risk of life- threatening irregular heartbeats that can cause sudden cardiac arrest (loss of heart function) and sudden cardiac death. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended for these patients."

Heart failure is a chronic disease needing lifelong management. However, with treatment, signs and symptoms of heart failure can improve and the heart sometimes becomes stronger.

Reducing stress in your life and finding happiness can help, but physician usually treat heart failure with medication.

Maryann

January 11, 2013 - 6:02pm
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