Re: Myocarditis or Cardiomyopathy???

Posted By Mike on August 23, 1998 at 21:10:14:

In Reply to: Re: Myocarditis or Cardiomyopathy??? posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on August 23, 1998 at 18:24:12:






Thanks a lot for your answer, I am 28 Y.O. Two years ago
in a physical examination the doctor told me I had arrythmia,
it was frequent ventricular premature beats, But I had no symptom.
I tried several kinds of drugs, like CoQ10, antiarrythmic drugs.
I was diagnosed with myocarditis.when I take Amoidaroni Hydrochloridi,
the arrythmia can be controlled.otherwise My arrythmia still exists.
other antiarrythmic drugs is worse for me than Amoidaroni Hydrochloridi.
recently I took an ultrasonic heart examination, the report shows the
internal dimensions of my left ventriculus is bigger than two years ago.
from 50mm (two years ago)to 57mm, I know the normal value should be below 56mm. some
doctors said it is because of my fatigue and my myocarditis, My heart
muscle is losing its function. is that true? The doctor who made the
ultrasonic exam said my EF is normal and the function of my heart is still
OK. Another doctor said it is a pretty bad sign that my heart is getting
bigger. my myocarditis is becoming dilated cardiomyopathy. My heart is
losing its function. My questions are:1.why is the internal dimensions
of my left ventriculur getting bigger, it is because of my myocarditis or
originally my disease is cardiomyopathy? 2.what is the relation between
myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy? 3.what should I do? my doctor said
there is no special cure for my disease but rest. My parents can not work
and live independently, so I have to conquer my disease. I would like to
listen to your suggestion. by the way,even now I have no symptom, and I
really worked hard during the past 6 months.
I am looking forward to your reply.
Mike







_______
Dear Mike,
Thank you for your question.
Topic Area: Arrhythmia
Thanks a lot for your answer, I am 28 Y.O. Two years ago
in a physical examination the doctor told me I had arrythmia,
it was frequent ventricular premature beats, But I had no symptom.
I tried several kinds of drugs, like CoQ10, antiarrythmic drugs.
I was diagnosed with myocarditis.when I take Amoidaroni Hydrochloridi,
the arrythmia can be controlled.otherwise My arrythmia still exists.
other antiarrythmic drugs is worse for me than Amoidaroni Hydrochloridi.
recently I took an ultrasonic heart examination, the report shows the
internal dimensions of my left ventriculus is bigger than two years ago.
from 50mm (two years ago)to 57mm, I know the normal value should be below 56mm. some
doctors said it is because of my fatigue and my myocarditis, My heart
muscle is losing its function. is that true? The doctor who made the
ultrasonic exam said my EF is normal and the function of my heart is still
OK. Another doctor said it is a pretty bad sign that my heart is getting
bigger. my myocarditis is becoming dilated cardiomyopathy. My heart is
losing its function. My questions are:
Q1.why is the internal dimensions of my left ventriculur getting bigger, it is because of my myocarditis or
originally my disease is cardiomyopathy?
A: The increase in size is due to a combination of the two.  The myocarditis is, however, the underlying problem leading to the cardiomyopathy.
Q:2.what is the relation between myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy?
A: Myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle, usually caused by a virus) leads to cardiomyopathy (a weakening of the heart muscle and dilation of the heart).
Q3.what should I do?
A: You doctor is right when he says there is no "cure".  About a third of patients get worse and some will require heart transplant.  About a third stay the same and are able to continue their current lifestyle and about a third get better.  Only time will determine what group you are in.  Hope this helps.  Feel free to write back with any additional questions.
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only.  Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.
Dear Sir:
I really appreciate your answer. You said a third will get worse, Could you please tell me how to avoid it to the best of my abilities? what kind of therapy should I have? I can not just wait for the result, I think I should take active therapy. so I want to listen  to your suggestion about the cure. My another question is : My internal dimensions of left ventriculur is enlarged, so should I say my disease is cardiomyopathy already, or it is still myocarditis, it is myocarditis that makes my heart slightly larger?
Thanks again.
Mike