Cardiomyopathy

[Kristin391]

I have nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy which was diagnosed about 15 months ago.  I have been compliant with all the drugs, exercise, diet etc.  Can the heart remodel itself so that I would have a normal EF once again? I do have a biventricular pacemaker. Over the 15 months, my EF has gone up from 30% to around 40%.  I believe this is largely a result of the pacemaker and the medications I am on currently.  What are my chances of being free of these drugs in the future?

[Cleveland Clinic]

kristin,

I really wouldnt hang your hat on your ejection fraction. Its just a number and believe it or not, the most important thing for you is how good/bad your symptoms are. Without significant symptoms your prognosis is better.  Im not sure of the the exact cause of your CM, but if it was idiopathic, it is unlikely that your EF will normalize.

Truthfully, most likely you are going to be on some if not all of your medications permanently. Im assuming you are on the standard medications for heart failure and unless your heart function completely normalized and you remained without symptoms for an extended period of time, I would not even try to discontinue any of your medications for heart failure.  


good luck

[mmfd]

I also have idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.  I can tell you  that with a strict low sodium diet, exercise and all the right meds, that my EF went from 15% to 55% in 3 years.  I was able to cut my Coreg in half to 6.25mg twice a day.  Now I'm back down a touch to 45% but it is true that the number doesn't really matter, it's how you feel.  I have heard that some people with bi-v pacers have gone from very low EF to perfectly normal in a couple of years.  Good luck, and watch that sodium!

[mom3kids98]

Strangelove if you read this message please respond to me. I too feel like sometimes I am buzzing from my heart racing. Just respond and we will discuss. I couldn't respond to you on your first forum topic as thread was closed to new comments. Thanks , Mom3kids98

[sheilah524]

I was pleased to read your post on your increase on your EF in the 3 years. Last Nov.of 2004 I was told I had Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. My EF was 20%,dropping to 12% by June of 2004. My meds are Altac 5M once a day, Coreg 50M twice a day and Lasix 25M once a day. In July I received a Bi-V pacer,and my EF went to 20%. As of Nov. 2005 it is now 25%. I have been told to lose weight and watch my sodium intake. It is encouageing to read that it is possible to increase one's EF. With my EF increase I have noticed a great difference in how much better I feel and look, in comparsion to the 12%. Thanks for your information and good luck to you.