Icd vs entresto

Hi everyone I am days away from having an ICD implanted. Went to see my cardiologist today my EF is 20%. They're going to do another echo to see if my EF has increased since taking entresto about four months ago. My doctor said if I get it up to 35% I may not need the ICD. Has anyone had this or experienced this at all. I'm really reluctant on getting the ICD I'd rather do whatever I can to improve my EF. I have also had LBBB but the doctor says I can live with that but I need to increase my EF

and I must add I have no symptoms at all.  Just put away patio furniture and doing stuff around the house with no issues.  never had issues  so it's a hard concept for me to grasp with the ICD

Thamk you!!!

2 Comments

Patience

by Benjijohn - 2019-11-23 01:25:52

I am in a similiar situation for almost the last 10 years

EF tends to improve slightly but it fluctuates. Mine was around 15% when I was first admitted to the hospital. After getting my CRT-D it usually fluctuates around 23-33 % due to a lot of circumstances, from catching the cold to having other surgeries or health problems

But the bottom line is this. ICD is an insurance just like car, house, health or any other insurance. I thought I never needed one but it has saved my life couple of times in the past

Yoir doctor knows the best. But I personally would not take the chances of taking my ICD out even my EF improved above 35%. The reasoning is simple. It is obvious that we have a heart problem, it may getter better at times, but it may also get worse at times. Why take the chances? We may never need it, but it is our insurance

I know ot takes a while to accept the truth and get used to the ICD, but believe me you will get used it and you will forget about that you have one very soon

Try to be patient, and concentrate on the bigger picture. And always losten to your doctors

Good Luck

ICD 2 weeks ago

by bosshog - 2019-11-23 17:48:01

I was/are in the same place you are. Last year before my CABG and aortic valve replacement(second one) my EF was around 45%. After surgery it went down to 20-25%. I felt and feel better than I have in 5 years so noticed no symptoms of low EF. 

I went on Entresto in April to see if it would improve. That put me up to around 30%. My cardiologist recommended an ICD. I told him I didn't think I was ready for that. I then found this website and did lots of reading online about ICD's.

Nov 8 I had a single lead ICD put in as my pulse rate is very good and needed no pacing. It was an outpatient procedure. They held me for 6 hours after to verify all was good, we then stayed overnight in a nearby motel. I drove home the next morning 80 miles, Sling was to remain on no longer than 24 hours. 

I am being careful with left arm 2 more weeks- not allowed to raise it above my shoulder until then. All went very good, almost painless. Back to work in 2 days.I work in electrical maintenance at a large food plant .

I feel better in getting this knowing it is there if I ever need it. I have never had a heart attack and hopefully never will, but the ICD is there if needed.

 

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So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.