Re: Left Ventricule

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on June 02, 1998 at 00:10:16:

In Reply to: Left Ventricule posted by Ginger on May 25, 1998 at 19:16:58:






Hiya. The first of March I was told I had Dilated Cardiomyopathy with an EF of 35%.
I got put on Zestril and am on 20mg a day. I had a echocardiagram done last week.
It showed an Ef of about 55%. But the left ventricule is still enlarged at
6.2 and normal I was told is 5.6. My question is...Will the ace inhibitor
help the left ventricule to go back to normal size? Or does it ever go back down to
normal size? And I am told not to do a lot of exercising but a lot of people
with this do. What is the general rule on exercise with what I have?!?!
Thank you very much for you valuable time !
Ginger



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Dear Ginger,
Congratulations!   You've apparently experienced an excellent recovery in left ventricular function to what is now a normal ejection fraction.   Regarding the ACE inhibitor, it will help prevent deterioration in function as well as deter progression of the ventricular enlargement.  Whether it will result in a normal left ventricular size is uncertain, but the recovery you've already exhibited is a superb sign, with or without a completely normal ventricular size.  Likely, you suffered an episode of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).  This may  have been due to a viral infection, or another often unrecognized stimuli.
An exercise regimen needn't be too restrictive, especially given the normal ejection fraction you mention.  For example, endurance training may be excessive, but regular aerobic exercise should not be a problem.  It would be wise to discuss this with your physician.  Again,  I'm delighted with your recovery.  Best of luck in the future.
Information in the Heart Forum is for general purposes.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.