Hitting the 5 Year Heart Failure Milestone & Why It Terrifies Me

Hey everyone,

Today, I want to open up about something that has been weighing really heavily on my mind and heart: my recently passed 5-year milestone with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). For those who may not know, HFpEF is a form of heart failure where the heart muscle contracts normally but the ventricles do not relax as they should during heartbeats. So basically my heart is one uptight chick.

Reaching the 5-year mark has been incredibly daunting and emotional for me, and here’s why:

🔹 **Morbidity Statistics:** The statistics for HFpEF are grim. Studies show that about 50% of people diagnosed with HFpEF are still alive five years after diagnosis. This statistic alone is a stark reminder of the severity and progression of this condition.

***The 10-year mortality rate for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) can vary between 22% and 74% depending on the study:***

• *22%: One study reported a 10-year all-cause mortality rate of 22% for patients with HFpEF
• * 30.8%: Another study reported a 10-year survival rate of 30.8% for patients with HFpEF and an ejection fraction (EF) of less than 40%
• * 74%: A third study reported a 10-year mortality rate of 74% for HFpEF

🔹 **Complications from Comorbidities:** My situation is further complicated by several serious comorbidities:

🔹- **Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):** CKD exacerbates heart failure by causing additional strain on the heart, leading to fluid overload and increased blood pressure. This vicious cycle makes managing HFpEF even more challenging and significantly worsens the prognosis.

🔹- **Pulmonary Hypertension:** Pulmonary hypertension puts extra pressure on the right side of the heart, further complicating heart failure management. It often leads to right-sided heart failure, increasing the risk of severe complications and reducing life expectancy.

🔹- **Fatty Liver Disease:** This condition can lead to liver inflammation and scarring, which in turn affects overall metabolism and worsens heart failure symptoms. It’s another layer of complexity that adds to the burden of managing HFpEF.

🔹 **Daily Struggles and Uncertainty:** Living with these conditions means constantly battling symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling. The uncertainty of not knowing how much time I have left and whether my health will suddenly decline is terrifying. Every day feels like walking a tightrope.

🔹 **Emotional and Mental Toll:** Beyond the physical symptoms, the emotional and mental toll is immense. The fear of reaching the 5-year milestone and what it signifies for my future is a constant source of anxiety and stress.

Knowing these realities makes it clear why hitting the 5-year milestone is so frightening. The statistics, coupled with the complexities of managing multiple serious health conditions, paint a bleak picture. However, sharing this helps me feel less alone and more understood.

Thank you for listening and for your support. If you or someone you know is dealing with similar challenges, please share your thoughts or experiences. We’re stronger together.

For more on my story you can reach out to me amanda@sheschasinglife.com.