Hi everyone,
I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself.
I'm from the UK and had a heart attack in August 2024, which came as a complete shock. Since then I've been diagnosed with reduced left ventricular function, with my ejection fraction sitting around 42–46%, and I also have a left bundle branch block.
I have Factor V Leiden, and I had a stroke after giving birth many years ago, so I've had a history of blood clots as well.
The thing I struggle with most is breathlessness and fatigue. Even everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs or doing jobs around the house can leave me short of breath and needing to stop. I also get dizzy at times and find it frustrating because I used to be much more active.
I'm taking my medications as prescribed and trying to stay positive, but I'm finding it difficult to know what is "normal" and what I should expect going forward. Some days are better than others.
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar ejection fraction or heart attack history.
Has your breathlessness improved over time?
Has your ejection fraction increased with treatment?
How do you cope with the fatigue?
Have you managed to get back to a more normal life?
I'm looking forward to learning from others who understand what this is like. Thanks for reading.