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Real members of myPHteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Follow up visit with Doc after RHC…good news!

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Sterling, CO

I had my follow up visit with my cardiologist today following my right heart catheter procedure in August. He told me when I am at rest, my pressures are normal. My symptoms surface with exertion or during exercise. During my 6-minute walk, my heart rate never got above 115, which he said was a normal heart rate during a brisk walk. I did tell him that when the heart rate gets rapid (like when I walk too fast, carry something heavy while going up the stairs, walking up an incline), it makes me… read more

October 8, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members celebrated a post about encouraging news from a cardiologist visit, where the doctor reassured the person that their heart pressures... Read more

Members celebrated a post about encouraging news from a cardiologist visit, where the doctor reassured the person that their heart pressures are normal at rest, their heart rate of 115 during a brisk walk is typical, and they show no signs of heart attack risk despite having a hole in their heart that contributes to PAH. Several members offered advice and shared their own experiences, including suggestions to ask about medications like Atenolol to manage heart rate, to consider a heart ablation to close the hole before it potentially worsens, and stories of their own ablations or long-term management of PAH with positive outcomes. A recurring theme was the importance of trusting in medical guidance, releasing fear and anxiety about the future, and finding peace through faith and the supportive reassurance that good management can lead to many more years of living well.

A myPHteam Member

This is wonderful news! Your doctor sound quite wise too. I worried endlessly about my PAH diagnosis too. However, two years in I am responding well to medications. My pulmonologist told me she is counting on being my doctor for at least the next 20 years. I'm currently 66. I'll take it!!

October 9, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Great news Steven, sounds like you have a very good doctor too!! Love it that you can share your fears with him and he understands what you are feeling and trys to help you understand what is going on. Keep asking about the ablation for the hole, if it can be done. Sounds like you are on top of things!!!

October 9, 2024
A myPHteam Member

If I couldn’t “manage” the hole, then an ablation might be an option. I’m not in a “bad enough” state for that right now. I interpret that as insurance doesn’t think I qualify for it and/or they don’t want to pay for it. It may have been different if it were discovered in my 20’s or 30’s.

October 8, 2024
myPHteam

It's great to hear that your follow-up visit went well! Here are some key points from your update:

- Normal Pressures at Rest: Your cardiologist confirmed that your pressures are normal when you are at rest
- Symptoms with Exertion: Your symptoms appear during exertion or exercise.
- Heart Rate During 6-Minute Walk: Your Show Full Answer

It's great to hear that your follow-up visit went well! Here are some key points from your update:

- Normal Pressures at Rest: Your cardiologist confirmed that your pressures are normal when you are at rest.
- Symptoms with Exertion: Your symptoms appear during exertion or exercise.
- Heart Rate During 6-Minute Walk: Your heart rate stayed within a normal range (never above 115) during a brisk walk.
- Managing Anxiety: Your cardiologist reassured you that feeling uncomfortable for a minute is normal and you have nothing to fear. He emphasized that you are responding well to treatment.
- No Signs of Heart Attack Risk: Your cardiologist confirmed that you show no signs of risk for a heart attack.
- Heart Failure Concerns: He alleviated your fears about heart failure and sudden death.
- Weight Management: He suggested losing 5 pounds, which you agreed to.
- Heart Rate Management: If your heart rate feels too fast, you should remind yourself that a rate around 115 is not unusually rapid and take a moment to slow down if needed.
- Hole in Heart: You have a hole in your heart, which causes you to lose oxygen (O2) and contributes to your PAH due to overworking lungs.

Your cardiologist's candor and affirmation that you are doing well seem to have provided you with much-needed reassurance. Sharing your journey in this forum can indeed be very supportive.

October 8, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Wow! I’m happy for all of you. You have been blessed to be here and are being told 20 more years and have had many birthdays thus far🫶🏼. I am thankful for my 41 years everyday and counting but my cardiologist told me after my right heart cath that any day now can be my last. I just struggle with this being old before I have had a chance to actually grow old. GOD is Mighty! 🫶🏼

November 2, 2024

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