Re: cardiomyopathy

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on December 27, 1997 at 14:02:02:

In Reply to: cardiomyopathy posted by Jan on December 26, 1997 at 19:10:39:







: Hello!  I have dilated cardiomyopathy and an EF of 36%.  My left arm aches and feels some what numb by the end of the day or when I am very active.  Is this typical for someone with this condition?  What causes it?  What can be done to relieve it? and is it a serious sign that I am over doing it or just a nuisance?  Thank you for providing this service, Jan



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Dear Jan,
Please refer to the other questions recently posted on this forum for additional information on cardiomyopathy.  As you know, DCM, or dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where there is both enlargement as well as diminished pumping function of the heart. Classically, this occurs due to unknown causes, but over the years, many contributing/causative factors have been discovered.  The list is quite long, but includes viral infections, toxins, alcohol, as well as hidden coronary artery disease.  There is good medical therapy for this condition, and a percentage of patients sees an improvement over time in ejection fraction and functional capacity.  
Regarding your specific question, I'm not certain as to the connection between the left arm achiness and DCM.  I'm not familiar with your age or medical history, but complaints of left arm numbness, especially with exertion, will often trigger an evaluation for coronary artery disease.  This is because discomfort in the left arm is a vague but common presentation of angina.  You should discuss this possibility with your doctor, because coronary artery disease might, conceivably, have contributed to your DCM.  If coronary disease is not an issue in your case, then my concern about the arm discomfort would drop considerably.  If the pulse and blood pressure in that arm is normal, you might think of it as a nuisance at that point.  This won't make the discomfort go away, but the reassurance that something serious is not at the root of the problem might be comforting.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only. Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.