Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Hope I am writting it the right way.  Hi, my name is Luis Rodriguez, I was just diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy about six months ago.  I have been in medication for the past six months.  Medication has worked some what but in the last two months my condition has gone back to when it was discovered.  My heart in January was at 38%, my doctor believes is the stress that I am working with at my work place.  She told my that I am a candidate for incapacitation.  

I am just wondering what are my options, I'm about to turn 34 years old.  I have not been able to do excersice like I use to, I can't even walk more than 20 stair steps before I have to stop and catch my breath.  If you can help me with some information I will appraciate it.  

Thank you for your time,

Luis E. Rodriguez

[kenkeith]

Hi Luis, a dilated heart is almost always due to being overworked or under stress unless there is heart muscle disease caused by excessive alcohol, drugs, congenital defect, etc. Treat the underlying cause such as stress and/or high blood pressure (the usual cause) can/will reduce the heart's workload and reverse the enlargement and increase the EF.  

The enlargement causes the heart to not effectively pump and that is evidenced by your 38%...The ejection fraction (EF) is the amount of blood the heart pumps with each heartbeat.  Normal EF is 50 to 75%.  A 38% EF is usually not low enough to cause the symptoms you have, but it is possible.  However, there are individuals with an EF in the 20's that function very well as their system compensates for the deficiency..  You are young, history of exercise, etc. and should have compensatory factors that would help you.  Has any other health issues been diagnosed?  What tests have you had?  What medication do you take?