athletes heart vs cardiomyapathy

11 years ago my husband went into atrial fibrillation for 8 hours and at the ER they brought him into normal rhythm with medication. Right after he converted out of it they did an echocardiogram. The Dr said his ejection fraction was 36% and said he had cardiomyapathy. The next day they did a muga test and the EF was up to 53%. They still said he had cardiomyapathy. Since then most of his echos have shown low EF's. He is 49 and in great shape. He works in construction and can dig with a shovel all day. His echo also shows an enlarged heart and hyperkinesis. His resting heart rate is in the 40's. I am beginning to wonder if he might have an athletes heart. Does anyone know what an ejection fraction is for someone with athlete's heart? We are getting 2 second opinions next month.

[robin260]

my son also was diagnosed with HCM which I don't believe he has.  I think he has athletes heart but all the docs seem to be sticking together after reviewing all the same records.  His interventricular septum measured at 1.5 which is high but he has always been very active, lifting weights and playing football.  We need to see someone who knows that they are doing and can make an opinion on their own w/o looking at other drs. records.  Any suggestions?

[Jillejam]

I would look into a little know athletes disease called ARVD (arrythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia), it is a genetic disease that can cause rhythm problems.  I don't know about what having an athletes heart means.  But if your EF is lower than normal then there is usually something wrong with the heart.  It does not matter what your husband can do, rhythm problems can strike at any time.  Has he had CT scans, MRIs done.  The MRI is the best for seeing stuff.  I cannot have them, I have a defibrillator implanted.  Maybe you should seek a second opinion, see a EP cardio doc.  

Good luck!
Jill