Posted by CCF cardio MD - SK on February 12, 1998 at 08:43:15:

In Reply to: idiopathic cardiomyopathy posted by frank schmidt on February 05, 1998 at 11:25:48:

: About a month ago I was admitted to an ER with a pulse of 170. It was
knocked back to normal (60 for me) with medication. I was held for
a stress test with nuclear scan All my ekgs were fine. Pulse stayed
stable also without medication for two days while stress test was sched
and completed. Looked like I was ok till the scans were examined. Found
EF of 39. Local cardiologist put me on Lanoxin, Zestril, and Imdur (lo
doses..) Went for echo and 39 EF confirmed. Left ventrical measured 6.7
at rest and contracted to 6.1. (Normal is 5.9 to 4.3) Went for 2nd
opinion and sched for cath. Cath found 85% blockage of left circumflex
coronary artey. Angiolplast and stent. 2nd opinion cardiologist says
incidental find. Cardiomyopathy still issue.Prior to this I ran in
10ks and lifted weights 2 hours/day. I am 59 years old. I still am
on Lanoxin, Zestril, and Imdur. I walk 3 hours/day. I don't have any overt
symptoms of CHF. My cardiologist plans to put me on supervised exercise
program. I intend to be a runner again. Could I have had this condition
for many years? I bet that I have, and I have built up compensatory
support with exercise. I told my cardiologist I plan on doing the
Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii when i'm 65. He chuckled. But I am serious.

Is is possible that artery blockage caused the cardiomyopathy? Docs
say damage to heart is "diffuse". Sounds like it might have been a virus
also.

Appreciate any help. Looking for info like a madman. Want to get cranking
on therapy. Plan to live a heck of a lot longer.. Put my self on lo-fat,
no alcholol, lo salt, no caffine diet just as insurance. Believe in
self-help as primary solution.

Thank You

Frank

Dear Frank,

You are probably right that you had decreased left ventricular function for some time and you just did not know about it. This is actually not uncommon. Symptoms do not correlate with EF. It is also known that symptoms and not EF, determines the ultimate prognosis. This is a good news for you. The circumflex disease could be incidental especially if the doctors thought that your left ventricular function was depressed diffusely, not just in the area of the circumflex distribution.

Aerobic exercises are recommended and supervised exercise program is a wonderful way to start this. Lifting heavy weights is not recommended in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. I would take one thing at a time and slowly start with exercise and see how you feel. I would not plan for competitive sports at this time. I do think that with your condition you can live a long, healthy life.

I hope that this information helps to answer some of your questions. If you are seeking a second opinion or further evaluation, an appointment with one of our cardiologists can be arranged by calling the Cleveland Clinic at (216) 444-6697.

Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your family physician(s).