Dilated hypokinetic or dilated globally hypokinetic left ventricle\ EF=42%

OK, I'm a 45 yr old male 6'2', 215 (don't smoke and social drinker). I went to my primary care Dr. for tennis elbow, while I was there, I asked him if he could write me an or\prescrip for a stress test (I saw somewhere on the Internet that everyone should have one by 40yrs of age). He prescribed a stress test with ISOTOPE. While doing the stress test I felt fine and the cardiologist told me that everything looks good on the EKG. After my Dr got the results he called me to come in to discuss the other part of the test. When I got there, he explained  that the test showed: Dilated left or globally hypokinetic left ventricle, with the EF of 42%. He said that I'm not in any immediate danger and it can probably be corrected via medication or stent or ? How grim is this and what would have happened if I never would have taken that test? I had no difficufty in breathing or anything and I feel fine. What cause's this and can it be corrected? Am I going to die soon? My family and I are scared to death. I'm seeing a Cardiologist next week, because my Dr says it's not a matter of emergency. Please explain and set OUR MINDS at ease (hopefully)!

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Lestyc,
The first thing to understand is that no test is perfect and the findings need to be confirmed.  This may be done with an echocardiogram or during a heart cath.  Once the findings are verified then the cause must be determined.  The most common cause for decreased pumping function is coronary artery disease.  Depending on the stage of disease it may be treated with surgery, balloon angioplasty or medication and diet alone.  The second most common cause is called 'dilated cardiomyopathy' and this is usually due to a viral infection.   If this is the case then medical therapy usually is used with improvement in many patients.  I would agree that waiting a week is OK but if you are very anxious you may be able to have the appointment with the cardiologist moved forward if you call.

[moniyb]

A related discussion, heart disease was started.

[Flo1928]

A related discussion, hypokinesia was started.