Confused

[Rocco314]

I'm a 40 year old male. I recently had an echo test. My doctor tells me the results are normal for my age but he would like me to see a cardiologist. My EF is 50 and from what I understand, this is borderline low or normal? Is it possible for the EF Results to be not accurate. At the time of the test, I was being treated with antibiotics for a bladder infection. I was also taking Motrin 800Mg three times per day. I'm between 80 -90 pounds over weight. Could any of these have affected my results?

I'm now off of the antibiotics and stopped taking the Moltrin because I've learned Motrin is bad for the kidneys. I've now scared myself into dieting and trying to excercise 30 - 40 minutes per day. Could my results improve if I loose the extra weight and got back in shape?

Thank You,

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Rocco,

An EF is low normal, but there is a +/- 5% error in reading the EF on echo.  Certainly weight can make it more difficult to determine the EF.  Antibiotics and motrin will not effect echo interpretation or results.

Your results could improve or at least not worsen with weight loss/ diet/ exercise.  Even if it doesn't improve, weight loss is good for long term prognosis anyway.  I encourage you to keep up the diet, exercise, weight loss.  If you smoke, stop smoking now before it is too late.

Keep up the positive work of making a change.  It is hard but one of the most important things you can do for yourself and family.

Good luck.

[Rocco314]

Thank You for your quick response. I really appreciate the info and advice and I will certainly try to keep up dieting and exercising. I am very concerned because I had been on the phen fen diet years ago for about 6-8 months just before it was taken off the market.  I had an echo 7 years ago and was told it was normal but it didn't note the EF. That echo was one year after the phen fen to check for problems associated with phen fen.

Am I in the clear after all these years for problems related to phen fen or can problems associated with that diet still arrise?

Thank You

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

phen fen should no longer be a concern.  The recongnized valvular heart problems with phen fen were probably over stated and not as big of a concern as the media let on.  

You are doing the right things now to address your concerns.

[Rocco314]

Thank You, You've made me feel a bit more relieved.