Treatments for a cardiomyopathy and aortic insufficiency

Hi ~
I was wondering if anyone could give me a "second opinion" or maybe a new path to go down with my doctor for my treatment.

I am 24 yrs old and have a history of Ventricular Tachycardia that started when I was 19 yrs old. I recently had an echo performed and the results showed "the left ventricle apperared normal in size wih mild generalized left ventricular hypokinesis, an ejection fraction consistent with that estimated on Mmode echo of 41%. The right ventricle and atrium appeared normal. Color doppler demonstrated mild aortic insufficiency. Tricuspid regurgitation was demostrated by continous wave doppler with tricuspid regurgitation velocity of 1.7m/sec." The doctor's conclusions were: "findings consistent with a mild dialted cardiomyopathy and mild aortic insufficiency."

I am currently taking sotalol 120 mg twice a day and have an icd. I was wondering if anyone had treatment ideas or suggestions I have extremely low blood pressure to boot so being put on more meds isn't possible according to my doc?

I was also wondering if anyone thought that maybe I'll grow out of this? Is there any scientific proof that the aortic insuffinciency won't progress and neither will the cardiomyopathy? The echo that was done a yr prior to this last one showed my EF at 49% and no problems with aortic insufficiency what so ever.

Thanks!
Amy

[Cleveland Clinic]

The aortic stenosis is not the cause of the cardiomyopathy, and even though it needs to be watched over time, without any evidence of aortic valve disease or aortic disease, it is unlikely to progress.  The cardiomyopathy should be worked up carefully.  I think that you should see a cardiomyopathy specialist.  You should definitely be started on an ace inhibitor.  It may not lower your blood pressure at all, but it will make it easier for your heart to pump blood.  The sotalol is a decent beta blocker and you should probably stay on it.  There are many causes of cardiomyopathy ranging from completely unknown to familial and even congenital causes.  Careful history taking, physical examination and an imaging evaluation are necessary.  There is some blood work that also needs to be done.  Again, consider seeing a heart failure specialist.