Feeling better after walk

Two years ago when my regular cardio doc did my first echo (at age 60), he suddenly got very negative.  He said that I had a weak heart and that my EF was 15.  My left ventrical was about twice the normal size. I knew nothing about EFs then.  He also said to not consider doing any distance walking; just a casual stroll around the block would be appropriate. I don't really have a question unless it would be "Has anyone else had a doc be so wrong and give such bad advice?"  I went out for a walk this evening with my usual dog companions and we ended up going at least 7 miles.  I did it in 2 hours and still managed to one short break. I changed docs over 18 months ago and am taking 12.5 mg Coreg daily.  My heart rate just after the walk was 96 and BP 136/72. My usual walking distance is about 5 miles 2 to 3 times per week. At my last echo exam a month ago my EF was at 10 and apparently was at 10 at a previous exam, but I don't think he mentioned it at the time.  I had an arteoreogram almost 2 years ago and the arteries were clear and the EF showed to be 13.  It appears that even though I have picked up my exercise, the EF hasn't improved.  The Coreg hasn't improved it either.  Ask me if I really care?  I am now thinking that the EF number is not directly proportional to any indicator of overall health.

[anacyde]

Well congratulations to you on feeling as good as you do and being able to stay active.  I've heard it said that how you FEEL is more predictive of your outcome than your actual EF number.

What's your current plan for treatment, aside from the Coreg?

[Ptuner]

Coreg is all that I am taking.  They were leaving it up to me as to whether I take another med which was a blood pressure med.  Since my pressure stays good, I saw no need for that.  Sometimes the top number gets a little below 100.  I am taking other meds for depression and some things to help sleep.  I had those problems for a long time, but they got more serious about 3 years ago.  I did recently resign from my concertmaster position in a local civic orchestra.  I didn't feel very good at the last orchestra concert and wasn't sure why.  I thought that it could be heart related and rather than pass out at a future concert, I quit.  The conductor thought that I should finish the season which was 2 more concerts.  He was quite irritated with me.  However, I think that we need to listen to our bodies.  It seemed to be too much stress for me at the time. My doc got rather upset with me at my last appointment since I haven't agreed to have the defib. implanted.  I told him that the reason was money mainly and that I would rather wait another 3 years for medicare to kick in.  He said that he could wait 3 years.  I guess that was good news that he thought that I would live that long.  Actually I think that if my heart stops than I would rather just pass on.  I have had a decent life and I am not opposed to just dying.  They might forget and put the thing on the left side which would interfere with my violin playing.

[Ptuner]

I am going to verify my walking distance as mentioned previously.  It is possible that it was closer to 6 miles.  We have a navagation device that will calculate distance at speed in mph.  I couldn't measure the distance using my car odometer since it goes through a wooded area. I think that overall I am somewhat confused about cardio myopathy when there are few systems.  The worry can be a major negative factor when one finds out about it.  I am trying to take the pills and keep up the exercise.  I think that I am in better shape than the average person on the street even with an EF of 10.  That is because I have good arteries, exercise and watch what I eat.  Most people can't walk 5 or 6 miles and have no interest in doing so.  They are more at risk for sudden cardio events I thing especially when they are over-weight, don't watch they eat and don't exercise.  Does this make sense?  I hope I am not in denial.  I am trying to stay positive even though I read somewhere that life and an EF of 10 are not compatable.  My cardio's nurse didn't agree with that statement.
I hope that it is ok to post here even though I don't have many questions at this time.

[jim62]

I'd suspect that EF.  From all I've heard, folks with an EF of 10 probably can't walk across a room, much less 7 miles.