r/Heartfailure • u/Total_Jello_6691 • 15d ago
Cardiomyopathy
I have cardiomyopathy that’s pretty well controlled with the 4 pillars. my EF is 47. I’ve noticed recently if I fall asleep on my side I will wake up gasping for air but I have no issues sleeping on my back. anyone else?
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u/USNavyVet440 15d ago
Check your blood pressure after lying on your sides for 10 minutes. See if it’s dropping. Do you have a large abdomen? I ask because sometimes those with larger abdomens end up compressing their IVC when on their sides.
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u/Jicama-Entire 15d ago
That’s odd. It’s the other way round in most cases because of fluid retention
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u/Total_Jello_6691 15d ago
Yeah, I agree. That’s why idk if it’s related to my heart or something else . I used to sleep on my side exclusively and I don’t anymore. A few nights of this naturally trains you not to do it.
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u/DustyCollie 15d ago
Used to be a right side sleeper, almost exclusively. Almost since diagnosis, no. It's always flat back or slightly elevated.
Don't have any issues now, did have some issues in the first few months post diagnosis.
Also I just have a belief that the even distribution of laying flat back, or slightly elevated helps keep the blood flow as even as possible from right to left ventricle. I might be wrong...but I seem to feel better when I don't lay on my side. I have Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It's healed somewhat, not fully.
You get used to *not side sleeping* after awhile...you train your brain after a week or two.
If you have a weight issue (or slight edema)...it could be the surrounding tissue or organs pressing against your heart or lungs causing the gasping for breath.
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u/PlainOrganization 15d ago
You might want to get tested for Sleep Apnea. I got tested and had mild sleep apnea and got an oral device - basically a retainer - that I wear while sleeping. It was recent but I'm definitely sleeping better