LVEF 10%, Improvement in 3 months?

44 years old, male.  Recently diagnosed with idipoathic cardiomyopathy with an LVEF of 10%.  My hospital discharge paperwork indicated severe hypokinesis, non-ischemic and severe heart failure.  I feel okay with the fluid gone but can't exert myself.  Daily, I'm taking 50mg Carvedilol, 40mg Lasix, 10mg Lisinopril, .25mg Digoxin and 5mg Coumadin.  My heart is enlarged.  I'm trying to get an idea what my LVEF will be at my 3 month echocardiogram.  Does anyone think it will hit or exceed 30%?  Does anyone have there own diagnosis and 3 month LVEF numbers?  The 3 month mark will determine whether I need an ICD or not and I'm trying to mentally prepare myself.  Any thoghts would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[sukumar794]

EF is likely to increase though marginally over a period of time.Mine has increased from just 2o% to past 30% in a matter of 2 years . You may try out EPLERENONE(inspra), of course in consultation with your cardiologist. regards..

[hearthelpguy]

Thanks sukumar794.  I appreciate your comment!

[grendslori]

This is really an individual thing. Some patients can have much improvement with the help of the meds. Has anyone talked to you about having a transplant yet?

[osiag]

I don't know if this is relevant.  My friend had a heart attach after which his LVEF has 12.  AFter 2.5 months on meds and recovery he was at 26.  I think that with LVEF as low as yours it is worth having a convrsation about transplant with your doc

[hearthelpguy]

Thanks grendslori.  No, the cardiologist mentioned a heart translpant could be an option if I get worse but that was it.  My immediate concern was whether I'd need an ICD if my LVEF doesn't get to 30% plus at the three month mark.  I guess I'm just not thinking of something as drastic at this point and hoping for the best.  FYI - I have no coronary heart disease and my cholesterol is low, so no worries there.  Do you think it's realistically possible to exceed 30% at the three month mark?  Or is much improvement typically less than that?

Thanks for your response.  I appeciate them all!!

[grendslori]

I'm not sure if 30% is attainable or not. Some people do really well on the meds for this disease and some do not. I have no way of knowing where you will fall in the overall picture. My daughter had the exact opposite problem with her heart and had a transplant when she was 22. That was why I asked you about whether you had considered the idea for yourself. It's always better to go on the list before you get TOO sick because the outcomes are much better. Take care

[hearthelpguy]

Thanks Grendslori.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  It's crazy because I feel pretty good most of the time (if I don't exert myself).  I guess I wait and see!!  Thanks.