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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Prognosis
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Prognosis
by Guenter, Dec 04, 2004 12:00AM
I have been recently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy (EF 30%). They believe the cause is probably viral though there has not been a biopsy. Could you tell me what we know about the prognosis? Can it get worse? Can the heart remold itself and increase strength of contraction etc. What are the best known treatments to date that would increase my cardiac function? I am doing the following:
1. Taking drugs: lisinopril, coreg and diuretic along with electrolyte replacements. Amiodarone for VT.
2. Exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day...elliptical machine for 15 minutes and recumbant bike for 15 minutes.
3. Watching my diet. I don't do low sodium per se but I do not add salt and I do not eat foods high in salt. My weight is fine for my height. 5"10 inches tall and weigh about 160 lbs.
4. I do have a biventricular pacemaker now (just put in about three weeks ago) and a ICD for easily induced VF,
What else can I do? I want to do everything I can so I have a good chance for the future. I am 60 years old and work full-time as an educator and also have a part-time job 8 hours plus per week that requires a lot of walking. Finances have been a challenge.
Thanks for your help. I want to live to see my grandchildren grow up and I also want to enjoy some retirement that I have worked all my life for...
1. Taking drugs: lisinopril, coreg and diuretic along with electrolyte replacements. Amiodarone for VT.
2. Exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day...elliptical machine for 15 minutes and recumbant bike for 15 minutes.
3. Watching my diet. I don't do low sodium per se but I do not add salt and I do not eat foods high in salt. My weight is fine for my height. 5"10 inches tall and weigh about 160 lbs.
4. I do have a biventricular pacemaker now (just put in about three weeks ago) and a ICD for easily induced VF,
What else can I do? I want to do everything I can so I have a good chance for the future. I am 60 years old and work full-time as an educator and also have a part-time job 8 hours plus per week that requires a lot of walking. Finances have been a challenge.
Thanks for your help. I want to live to see my grandchildren grow up and I also want to enjoy some retirement that I have worked all my life for...
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Dec 05, 2004 12:00AM
, Dec 05, 2004 12:00AM
Guenter,
thanks for the post.
Could you tell me what we know about the prognosis?
Its difficult to tell because there alot of different causes. For recent-onset idiopathic DCM, some reports have shown a significant percentage increase their ejection fraction and do quite well. In one small study, 36 percent had a normal LVEF at one year, and the transplant-free survival at one and two years was 92 and 88 percent
Can it get worse?
Yes. But the course of those that get worse tend to happen in the initial few weeks of presentation.
Can the heart remold itself and increase strength of contraction etc. What are the best known treatments to date that would increase my cardiac function?
Definitely. Probably the 2 most beneficial medications to facilitate this are beta blockers and ace inhibitors. Once things are stable you should be on both of these mediciations.
The other important thing to do is to rule out other causes of your cardiomyopathy. Simple things like blood pressure, coroanry evaluation and thyroid evaluation.
good luck
thanks for the post.
Could you tell me what we know about the prognosis?
Its difficult to tell because there alot of different causes. For recent-onset idiopathic DCM, some reports have shown a significant percentage increase their ejection fraction and do quite well. In one small study, 36 percent had a normal LVEF at one year, and the transplant-free survival at one and two years was 92 and 88 percent
Can it get worse?
Yes. But the course of those that get worse tend to happen in the initial few weeks of presentation.
Can the heart remold itself and increase strength of contraction etc. What are the best known treatments to date that would increase my cardiac function?
Definitely. Probably the 2 most beneficial medications to facilitate this are beta blockers and ace inhibitors. Once things are stable you should be on both of these mediciations.
The other important thing to do is to rule out other causes of your cardiomyopathy. Simple things like blood pressure, coroanry evaluation and thyroid evaluation.
good luck
