Ejection fraction

Posted By Scott on August 29, 1998 at 12:30:23:







I am a 500 lb man who recently posted a question on the board regarding a heart problem which had been diagnosed about a month ago. I have decreased my caloric intake to around 1200 calories per day and increased my physical activity dramatically. Since August 4th, I have lost 45 lbs. I was diagnosed because I had an episode of atrial fib.
As I want to take care of myself as well as I can, under the circumstances, I have some other questions which I had not previosly answered.
1.  My ejection fraction is in the mid to low 40's. Is it reasonable to expect this to improve with weight loss? And if so how much might it improve?
2. All four chambers of my heart are dilated. Is it possible that my heart size decrease as I lose weight or will it continue to increase?
3. Can a heart that has been damaged by excessive weight function normally, or will it continue to deteriorate even after the weight loss?
4. How frequently should I have a TEE or equivalent so as to adjust my treatment accordingly?
5. Besides correcting my diet, taking medication as prescribed and exercise is there anything I can do to become "heart healthy" again?
6. Is it possible that the atrial fib will go away as I continue to lose weight and exercise?
7. Are you aware of any heart clinics that have the equipment and specialization to treat people with morbid obesity and its effects on the heart?
Thank you