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Symptoms of congestive heart failure?

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Pratik:
I would just like to know more. I am chelating aggressively although I am keeping myself alarmed. I have heartbeats staying around 100+ always so it has always been a concern to me.

Could anyone list it Andy or anyone?

Would just like to know.

-P.

Narendra:
Pratik,

You are doing the right thing by chelating aggressively. Heart functions are very important when it comes to Thalassemia patients.

You can read the symptoms at http://www.cooleysanemia.org/updates/Cardiac.pdf


--- Quote ---What symptoms are related to cardiac issues and how are these issues diagnosed?
Symptoms may include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (sometimes even when at rest); palpitations; fainting; chest pain; feeling very tired very easily; and unexplained swelling around the ankles.

However, symptoms of cardiac complications often don’t show up until the complication is already advanced. Because cardiac issues are common in thalassemia, it is therefore necessary for patients to undergo regular tests that can pick up warning signs in the early stages. These tests may include:
Chest x-ray
Electrocardiogram
24-hour Holter monitor
Cardiac Stress Test
Echocardiogram
MUGA Scan
T2*
Functional Cardiac MRI

--- End quote ---

Pratik:
This is now a thing of concern.

I do have palpitations - high heartbeats and am now starting to worry a lot. I am having little chest pain since past 2 days, but that may be due to gastric problems as I always catch them often.

Andy or anyone could give me any more advice? What if my iron gets to normal levels? Did it still may have affected the heart or would posses risk? Would reduce in iron lead to an increase in T2* score (however I haven't got it done yet but I firmly plan this time).

-P.

Narendra:
Pratik,

Don't be too worried. Look at the same link : http://www.cooleysanemia.org/updates/Cardiac.pdf


--- Quote ---How are cardiac issues treated?
Fortunately, progression of heart failure and other cardiac issues can be halted and in many cases reversed. The key to this is aggressive chelation therapy. This may take the form of 24-hour Desferal treatments, administered intravenously, or therapy involving both Desferal and the oral chelator deferiprone.

In addition, dietary changes may be required, as well as making sure the patient receives sufficient rest. There are some drug-based therapies that
may also be utilized, such as ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors, which help reduce blood pressure and improve heart function;
--- End quote ---

Pratik:
Yes Narendra, I did read that whole excerpt.

However, it's my question to you (if you know) and Andy, that the excerpt also mentions Digitalis tablets to slow down heartbeats. Should I buy it or ask my concerning doc to put me on it?

Today, I woke up and no actions were being made, then also, my heartbeats were 110. It got me too much concerned and worried.

Or I guess Andy you were talking about some other medicines as well to reduce heartbeats, I couldn't recall, perhaps anything that can help me solve this?

-P.

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