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I am so scared that I have heart failure

22 replies

anonymous98 · 01/07/2024 21:29

I am 25 and have a diagnosis of PoTS based on my symptoms (tachycardia, exercise intolerance, low blood pressure and mild shortness of breath). Prior to these symptoms emerging 18 months ago, I was active and fairly healthy. Now, I find even light exercise quite difficult, as my heart rate shoots up and takes a while to come down. I can get up to 150bpm just stretching or standing up on bad days, which also makes me feel slightly short of breath, as if I've been running.

I have been seeing a cardiologist (privately), who has conducted two 24-hour holter monitors, which were both normal. My pulse and standing/sitting blood pressure are also checked regularly. I have been prescribed midodrine and ivabradine, which seem to help a little bit.

My oxygen levels are normal. Occasionally my O2 will drop down to 93-94%, but it always comes back up again quickly.

My worry is something like hypertrophic/dilated cardiomyopathy, which apparently sometimes only shows up on echocardiograms or MRIs. Should I be worried about this? I suppose I am afraid that I will drop dead.

OP posts:
rubyslipperss · 25/11/2024 17:24

Hi hope you're ok OP - post was long ago I know but just wanted to mention that my DD has pots , similar age to you . She had an echo when she was diagnosed. Did you get given an echo in the end ? I thought it was standard procedure when diagnosing pots - or could you afford a private one ?

Els82 · 21/01/2025 21:40

@anonymous98 I know this post is old but how are you doing? I'm following as I have similar symptoms to you

Titsywoo · 21/01/2025 21:48

Have you had your iron checked also? My daughter had similar symptoms when she was deficient.

Els82 · 21/01/2025 23:00

@Titsywoo I am anemic, Hb 10, ferritin 15. Recently I've noticed low bp (100/55) which I think is making me breathless and dizzy. And giving me palpitations. But all this has come on in the last month and I'm starting to think something is wrong with my heart. Does your daughter get low bp?

anonymous98 · 26/01/2025 00:24

Hi everyone, I've realised I think I have Terry's nails, which are apparently linked to HF so now I'm really worried. Seeing cardiologist again in 2 weeks.

My iron has generally been okay.

OP posts:
Titsywoo · 26/01/2025 11:15

Els82 · 21/01/2025 23:00

@Titsywoo I am anemic, Hb 10, ferritin 15. Recently I've noticed low bp (100/55) which I think is making me breathless and dizzy. And giving me palpitations. But all this has come on in the last month and I'm starting to think something is wrong with my heart. Does your daughter get low bp?

I'm not sure her BP was ever checked but it would make sense as she was the same as you and got super dizzy.

Junaluma · 26/01/2025 11:23

Just to let you know OP, blood pressure isn’t affected by Pots. You can have normal blood pressure and Pots.

www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots.html#:~:text=The%20main%20distinguishing%20symptoms%20of,within%2010%20minutes%20of%20standing.

Els82 · 26/01/2025 13:38

@anonymous98 sorry to hear you're going through this and please keep us updated. I have terrible HA and can't stop worrying about my symptoms

Els82 · 10/02/2025 07:47

@anonymous98 how are you feeling and have you seen the cardiologist yet?

anonymous98 · 10/02/2025 08:18

Els82 · 10/02/2025 07:47

@anonymous98 how are you feeling and have you seen the cardiologist yet?

Seeing him next week. I am okay. Calmed down a bit.

OP posts:
leafyloop · 10/02/2025 10:26

You can often see cardiomyopathy on an ECG.

Why are you worried about cardiomyopathy? Have you read about it or do you have a family history?

Els82 · 20/02/2025 10:20

@anonymous98 how did your appointment go and are you still having symptoms?

anonymous98 · 22/02/2025 19:54

Els82 · 20/02/2025 10:20

@anonymous98 how did your appointment go and are you still having symptoms?

Hi, thanks. I had an echocardiogram, which was thankfully normal. Cardiologist is confident I have PoTS

OP posts:
Els82 · 09/03/2025 10:28

@anonymous98 can I ask if you're still getting shortness of breath and low bp with your POTS? I'm trying to get investigated by my GP about my symptoms which are still hanging around...

Nets888 · 09/03/2025 22:47

@anonymous98 can I ask do you still have Terry's nails? Do you know what caused it?

anonymous98 · 10/03/2025 01:32

Nets888 · 09/03/2025 22:47

@anonymous98 can I ask do you still have Terry's nails? Do you know what caused it?

Hi Nets, I don't know. I've had blood tests for it that will be back this week, so I guess we will find out.
GP didn't seem particularly concerned. She said it's probably just my terrible circulation.

OP posts:
anonymous98 · 10/03/2025 01:34

Els82 · 09/03/2025 10:28

@anonymous98 can I ask if you're still getting shortness of breath and low bp with your POTS? I'm trying to get investigated by my GP about my symptoms which are still hanging around...

Hi, yes I do. The shortness of breath in particular really worried me. My standing BP used to be 90/60ish but has now increased to 110/70 with medication. I would tell your GP that your symptoms are affecting your ability to work - they seem to take that more seriously.

OP posts:
anonymous98 · 13/03/2025 16:40

Hi everyone, my "Terry's nails" are due to a medication side effect, as all of my blood tests are apparently normal. Phew!

OP posts:
Els82 · 13/03/2025 16:48

@anonymous98 glad to hear you're doing well. The shortness of breath worries me the most. You say you still get this? I thought this would have gone away with medication you are taking to increase your bp?

anonymous98 · 13/03/2025 16:52

Els82 · 13/03/2025 16:48

@anonymous98 glad to hear you're doing well. The shortness of breath worries me the most. You say you still get this? I thought this would have gone away with medication you are taking to increase your bp?

It's definitely better. I do sometimes take my dose too late in the day and I will feel a bit rubbish

OP posts:
Els82 · 14/10/2025 19:17

@anonymous98 I've now been diagnosed with PoTs too but the breathlessness is still there. Has yours improved?

Els82 · 28/10/2025 10:53

@anonymous98 sorry to pester but can I ask how you're feeling now?

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