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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
% of those with morbid obesity and dilated cardiomyopathy
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
% of those with morbid obesity and dilated cardiomyopathy
by Scot__0__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Scott on March 24, 1999 at 10:22:20:
I am a 33 year old white male. Prior to August of 1998 I weighed 500lbs, frequently consumed four to five drinks daily, and averaged five to six cigarettes per day. In August I experienced an episode of atrial fib that required electrocardioversion. Prior to the procedure, a TEE was completed. The TEE indicated that I had dilated cardiomyopathy (all four chambers) with an EF of 45%. At that time it was extremely difficult for me to walk distances of two or three blocks or climb more than one flight of stairs at a time without becoming short of breath. Since that time I have lost over 100 lbs, and continue to lose weight, I exercise daily, no longer drink nor smoke, and have seen my stamina for walking increase dramatically. I am no longer limited by shortness of breath when walking, but am limited by leg, back, and mild sternum pain and strain (after walking considerably longer distances or standing for extended lengths of time). My questions are:
1. Could the pain that I experience in my sternum be caused by obesity? It is relieved immediately once I sit. My electrocardilogist does not believe that the pain is cardiac related.
2. How prevalent is atrial fib and dilated cardiomyopathy in someone my age and size?
3. How likely is my increased tolerance for walking as a result of an improved EF?
4. Is Coumadin the only anticoagulant available to people who are predisposed to atrial fib?
5. Is atrial fib a precursor to more serious heart rhythm disturbances?
6. How will continued weight loss impact my heart size and cardiac electrophysiology.
Thank you for your time.
I am a 33 year old white male. Prior to August of 1998 I weighed 500lbs, frequently consumed four to five drinks daily, and averaged five to six cigarettes per day. In August I experienced an episode of atrial fib that required electrocardioversion. Prior to the procedure, a TEE was completed. The TEE indicated that I had dilated cardiomyopathy (all four chambers) with an EF of 45%. At that time it was extremely difficult for me to walk distances of two or three blocks or climb more than one flight of stairs at a time without becoming short of breath. Since that time I have lost over 100 lbs, and continue to lose weight, I exercise daily, no longer drink nor smoke, and have seen my stamina for walking increase dramatically. I am no longer limited by shortness of breath when walking, but am limited by leg, back, and mild sternum pain and strain (after walking considerably longer distances or standing for extended lengths of time). My questions are:
1. Could the pain that I experience in my sternum be caused by obesity? It is relieved immediately once I sit. My electrocardilogist does not believe that the pain is cardiac related.
2. How prevalent is atrial fib and dilated cardiomyopathy in someone my age and size?
3. How likely is my increased tolerance for walking as a result of an improved EF?
4. Is Coumadin the only anticoagulant available to people who are predisposed to atrial fib?
5. Is atrial fib a precursor to more serious heart rhythm disturbances?
6. How will continued weight loss impact my heart size and cardiac electrophysiology.
Thank you for your time.
