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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Change in phsyiology after recovery from Cardiomyopathy
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Change in phsyiology after recovery from Cardiomyopathy
by Donna, Nov 20, 1999 12:00AM
I have been very interested reading the correspondence between patients and you. In 1993, I suffered cardiomyopathy that occurred at the end of my pregnancy. I also had signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. I did have some seizures, but I also have a longstanding seizure disorder. The OB doctors seemed to think the seizures were related to my underling seizure disorder as opposed to pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
My baseline B.P. was 110/70 during most all of my office visits. I did have an emergency C-section because of the seizures. The doctors said that if it were pre-eclampsia, it would resolve if they took the baby. I did have one more seizure after my baby was born. In spite of several complaints of headache, blurred and spotty vision and +1 swelling in my legs, I was discharged home. This was within the standard three days and I had a B.P. of 168/104.
To make a long story not quite as long, I ended up with status epilelticus which resulted in respitory arrest and I had to be put in a drug induced coma. They had trouble trying to ease me out of the coma without the seizures starting up again for a couple of weeks.
There were many other complications, a few of which were ARDS (I was on a respirator) HELP syndrome and DIC. I eventually needed 14 units of blood and blood products. I guess you could say I am more than lucky to be here today.
I do have some residual difficulties. My heart has recovered to “the low end of normal.” I don’t want to be one of those patients who is self centered and overly concerned, but I need to understand a little better the physiology of the heart.
Following the illness, I had quite a bit of tachycardia, which eventually became less frequent and some syncope. My B.P. is now much lower, often 80s/50s. Diastolic was recorded in the 40s. I have occasional blackness of vision, but try to drink a lot more fluids and take in more salt. I have occasional tightness in my chest/discomfort, usually accompanied by tachycardia.
Is there any difference in my heart now than there was before the cardiomyopathy? Has my heart completely recovered (being within normal range)? Why is there a change in physiology? I am now 35 years old. How is this low B.P. likely to effect me as I age? What effect do you think the status epilepticus and respiratory arrest (hypoxia) had on the cardiomyopathy? What about the DIC?
As you can see, I have quite a history and many questions. I would love to hear from you and have you help me get a better understanding of what has and will happen to me. If you would rather call me than write a lengthy e-mail that would be great too. Thank you for your time and interest.
My baseline B.P. was 110/70 during most all of my office visits. I did have an emergency C-section because of the seizures. The doctors said that if it were pre-eclampsia, it would resolve if they took the baby. I did have one more seizure after my baby was born. In spite of several complaints of headache, blurred and spotty vision and +1 swelling in my legs, I was discharged home. This was within the standard three days and I had a B.P. of 168/104.
To make a long story not quite as long, I ended up with status epilelticus which resulted in respitory arrest and I had to be put in a drug induced coma. They had trouble trying to ease me out of the coma without the seizures starting up again for a couple of weeks.
There were many other complications, a few of which were ARDS (I was on a respirator) HELP syndrome and DIC. I eventually needed 14 units of blood and blood products. I guess you could say I am more than lucky to be here today.
I do have some residual difficulties. My heart has recovered to “the low end of normal.” I don’t want to be one of those patients who is self centered and overly concerned, but I need to understand a little better the physiology of the heart.
Following the illness, I had quite a bit of tachycardia, which eventually became less frequent and some syncope. My B.P. is now much lower, often 80s/50s. Diastolic was recorded in the 40s. I have occasional blackness of vision, but try to drink a lot more fluids and take in more salt. I have occasional tightness in my chest/discomfort, usually accompanied by tachycardia.
Is there any difference in my heart now than there was before the cardiomyopathy? Has my heart completely recovered (being within normal range)? Why is there a change in physiology? I am now 35 years old. How is this low B.P. likely to effect me as I age? What effect do you think the status epilepticus and respiratory arrest (hypoxia) had on the cardiomyopathy? What about the DIC?
As you can see, I have quite a history and many questions. I would love to hear from you and have you help me get a better understanding of what has and will happen to me. If you would rather call me than write a lengthy e-mail that would be great too. Thank you for your time and interest.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD JMF, Nov 22, 1999 12:00AM
It is wonderful to hear that with adequate therapy and time your heart has recovered to this extent. Often, the heart is "stunned" due to some other disease process and is able to recover as any other muscle does.
It is likely that the transient BP decrease and lack of oxygen caused a trensient lack of blood flow that was reversible.
You will likely need to be careful with your heart as you may not have as much reserve as the next person, however, will good care you should have a relatively normal cardiac life expectancy.
It is likely that the transient BP decrease and lack of oxygen caused a trensient lack of blood flow that was reversible.
You will likely need to be careful with your heart as you may not have as much reserve as the next person, however, will good care you should have a relatively normal cardiac life expectancy.
