diagnosis

[diannadyke]

I have been diagnosed with severe LV dysfunction, ejection fraction estimated with 35% with anteroapical wall severe hypokinesis.  Can you explain what this means?

[diannadyke]

Update on my heart situation.  My echocard was taken in December and I went back to see my Dr. on Tuesday.  Well, my heart flow was last 35 o/o and was not going to go higher but hopefully not any lower.  My heart flow is 55% and I'm so grateful.  Dr says my high blood pressure meds and blood thinner and everything I'm doing is right.  I have rested about 2 hours a day for the first time in my life and also turned some family problems over to God.  I feel so great and 2011 is starting out to be a good year.  Thanks to you for the response.

[diannadyke]

Well I had my Dr. appt on Tues. and found out there was nothing to be done with my 35% flow, no medication.  He will see me and do an echocr. every six months and moniter and see that I don't go belov 35%.  Also I go on blood thinner right away.  So...............................

[kenkeith]

What has already been said is helpful.
I had hypokinesis with a very low EF less than 29% 6 years ago.  With a stent to a 98% blocked right coronary artery and medication resulted in properly treating the hypokinesis and improved my EF to 59% (normal).

What oftened happens is the heart cells described as hypokinesis can be revitalized when there is adequate blood flow to the location of interest.  I was aggressively treated and usually what that means is to medicate to help reduced the heart's workload by dilating vessels (ACE inhibitor), beta blocker (coreg) to aid in dilating vessels and maintain a regular heart rate within acceptable range.

I was monitored closely each 6 months and my medication had a positive effect and the heart pumps adequately and heart size decreased to normal.  Risk modifaction is to be on a aerobic exercise program regularily, proper diet, moderate life style, etc.  Hope this helps and good luck for a favorable outcome.  Take care and thanks for sharing.  

[Flycaster305]

Your doctor is going to suggest you take some very helpful medications for the condition you have, and suggest some lifestyle changes.  You are also going to be checked often, and lab tests will be part of this.

You have a condition that certainly needs attention but can be reversed with the medications and lifestyle changes.  Let us know how what is suggested, and your progress.
Best wishes.

[diannadyke]

Thanks for answering.  This is the conclusion after having a heart cath.  I have already had a nuclear stress test and echocard.  Also I had a stroke in 2008 and they now say a heart attack.  I go back to my card. on Tues. and he is to have this report also with Dr recomedations with aggresive med. management, risk factor modification, beta blocker,ACE inhibitor/ARB and close monitoring-whatever all that means.

[erijon]

LV dysfunction means that your heart does not fill properly during the diastolic portion of your heartbeat. This is commonly due to the muscle's inability to relax as it has thickened or stiffened. Your ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each beat. Normal is between 50-75% yours is low at 35%. The anteroapical wall is the muscle making up the top/front of your heart. Hypokinesis means that the muscle in that area of the heart is not contracting properly and has diminished movement.

Did your doctor recommend further testing or treatment? Please keep us posted.

I hope this helps,

Jon