Congestive heart failure beginning symptoms

Dear members,

I read somewhere that patient exhibited beginning of congestive heart failure symptoms. Can anyone inform what those symptoms are so that we better act in such serious condition?

Some of the symptoms of the onset of heart failure in thals are palpitations, irregular heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance and edema. Edema, retaining water will result in constant swelling at the ankles. This is an important sign of possible heart failure and aggressive chelation measures should be taken.

Andy, my heart rate always stays around 100-110 even while sitting and doing nothing (stationary)!

Should I be concerned?

Chest pain I do have, but mostly due to gastric trouble which after taking antacid works out my problem.

However, I will this time most probably go for T2, been super busy and also my dad been a lot busy. Tomorrow, he would inquire if this is done in my city or I shall travel to Ahmadabad during next transfusion (after 2 weeks approx) and get it done.

-P.

I don't want to speculate until you have the T2* results. Make sure you are taking a magnesium supplement along with calcium, in no less than a 2:1 ratio cal to mag. Anf vitamin D needs to be taken with them to promote absorption.

I would also suggest that you are checked for pulmonary hypertension, PHT or PAH, as this can also raise the heart rate. It is treatable in thals with the drug, sildenafil citrate. The supplements L-arginine, L-carnitine and L-citrulline can also help to boost the production of nitric oxide, NO, which helps to counter PHT.

Andy, I'll get T2 done shortly.

And by hypertension, you mean blood pressure? I have instrument at home and my blood pressure is always normal, just the heart beats always range around 100 or so.

No, pulmonary hypertension is not related to blood pressure. It is an increase in the pressure in the pulmonary artery between the heart and lungs. The increase in pressure in this artery in thals is primarily caused by a loss of elasticity in the artery, which is related to depletion of nitric oxide in the artery. It can cause an increase in heart rate and is one of the great dangers that confronts thals. It cannot be tested for at home.

Alright Andy, so what is the exact name to get that test done? And is it done through blood sample or through some other procedures? Do let me know, thanks a lot.

Now that I know, I am actually getting scared as my heart beat is high. 

And if that test shows it high (can you also point out normal range of that tests if possible?), is there any way to make it better and bring it down to normal?

-P.

PHT is not easily diagnosed. A series of tests may be used. You can read about this at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-hypertension/ds00430/dsection=tests-and-diagnosis

PHT is not easily diagnosed. A series of tests may be used. You can read about this at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-hypertension/ds00430/dsection=tests-and-diagnosis

Andy, now that is really scary. Can you tell me some basic blood sample test if possible? Oh, and I read on above link also a phrase doppler echocardiogram, is it Color doppler? If so, I've got it done back in January 2009 end and it was perfectly normal, should I get it done again if it could help it diagnose?

The link also mentions some variables in blood samples may also point out, so what levels or variables it maybe? Tomorrow morning, my blood sample is to be taken for transfusion, so if I know which tests possibly I can get done, I shall know then, speedy reply would be appreciated.

I also want to ask other thals as to around what their heartbeats stay normally?

Pratik,

How low does your Hb get before transfusion?

Pratik,

How low does your Hb get before transfusion?

At the most, maybe around 8 VERY RARELY, otherwise stays 9-10.

-P.

Keeping your Hb above 9 at all times does help as the heart doesn't have to work so hard to pump blood. In the end, the real key is chelation compliance. Get your iron load down.

So Andy, shouldn't I get any tests done now or be concerned about?

I am trying to bring iron down, I had switched back to 1200mg a month ago and now would start it again tomorrow. Also I will be getting S. Ferritin tests done and would let you all know about the updates of the same.

-P.

You should get the T2* test.