criteria for dx'ing cardiomyopathy

What is the criteria you use to dx cardiomyopathy ? Is it based on ef,pt's sxs etc? I guess what I want to know is at what point do you get concerned? My cardiologist told me he would not be concerned with my echo unless my ef drops below 30% ( I have mitochondrial myopathy and my ef is 45 % now with lt atrial enlargement and decreased lt systolic function). Thanks for all you hard work on this site.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi Grace,

Cardiomyopathy is somewhat subjective.  Most people refer to reduced ejection fraction but there are several other types.  If your ejection fraction is below normal, I would consider that a cardiomypathy.  An ejection fraction of 45% could be considered a cardiomyopathy, especially if the mitochondrial myopathy is associated with heart failure or cardiac involvement.

Cardiomyopathy is a very broad word though.  It may encompase asymptomatic people with an EF of 45% or an end stage cardiomypathy with an EF of 10%.  Becareful what you read --  you may unnecessarily scare yourself.

I hope this answers your question and thanks for posting!

[lak]

Hi Grace,
That is really a good question.  My ejection fraction 3 years ago was 42%.  They sent me to a rhuematologist and on the report it said he could not explain my cardiomyopathy.  I had never been told I actually had anything except a left bundle branch block and severe PVC's which are suppose to be benign.

Since that time I have been on atenole to help the frequent PVC's and my ejection fraction is up to 54% which is back in the normal range.  Go figure!

[LukeL]

As you know the cardiologist here often say the EF can vary greatly depending on what doctor saw the echo, infact the same doctor may give two different reports at different times even though they are seeing the same echo.

[Momto3]

My cardiomyopathy was diagnosed after a routine echo.  An EF of 40% was indicative of CM.  Doctor was assertive with treatment and over an 18 month period my EF increased to 60%.  

Had a recheck stess echo yesterday to see if things were still good - yep!!  EF still at 60% +/- 5%.  

Has your doctor suggested any medication?  repeat testing?

[grace77]

I had an echo 5 yrs ago which was normal (ef was >55%) but because of recently being diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy, I was evaluated by a cardiologist because this disease can affect the heart either by a conduction problem and/or cardiomyopathy. My cardiologist wants to repeat the echo and ekg every year.

[Momto3]

In my case, an echo in the beginning of the year showed an EF of 55% (normal).  By December, at a recheck, EF had dropped to 40%.  I had several tests after that to "double check" the surprising result.  Indeed, the EF had dropped.  For me, treatment was a must.  I have a leaky valve and had chronic pvcs.  Perhaps that's why the doctor was so quick to try and resolve the dysfunction.

Good luck!!  Here's to an improving EF : 0

[Richard_W]

It is usually the ejection fraction.  If a person is below 30% I believe they are automatically qualified for SSA disability.  In my opinion, one of the main treatable reasons is uncontrolled hypertension.  A good strong heart should be between 55-65 % and the heart should be able to recover quickly after vigorous exercise.  I would recommend partcipating in a cardiac rehab program.

[kim1123]

Hi,  I was diagnosed with dialated cardiomyopothy and a left bundle branch block, my ef is 25%. I'm scheduled for a heart cath on monday , I'm really nervous i know what they are going to do,but how much is this going to hurt? Does any one know about having a defibilator in ? My dr, said if my ef doesn't respond to meds in about 9 months he wants to put one in. any  info would be helpful , Thanks