idiopathic cardiomyopathy

Posted By frank schmidt on February 05, 1998 at 11:25:48:









About a month ago I was admitted to an ER with a pulse of 170. It was
knocked back to normal (60 for me) with medication. I was held for
a stress test with nuclear scan All my ekgs were fine. Pulse stayed
stable also without medication for two days while stress test was sched
and completed. Looked like I was ok till the scans were examined. Found
EF of 39. Local cardiologist put me on Lanoxin, Zestril, and Imdur (lo
doses..) Went for echo and 39 EF confirmed. Left ventrical measured 6.7
at rest and contracted to 6.1. (Normal is 5.9 to 4.3) Went for 2nd
opinion and sched for cath. Cath found 85% blockage of left circumflex
coronary artey. Angiolplast and stent. 2nd opinion cardiologist says
incidental find. Cardiomyopathy still issue.Prior to this I ran in
10ks and lifted weights 2 hours/day. I am 59 years old. I still am
on Lanoxin, Zestril, and Imdur. I walk 3 hours/day. I don't have any overt
symptoms of CHF. My cardiologist plans to put me on supervised exercise
program. I intend to be a runner again. Could I have had this condition
for many years? I bet that I have, and I have built up compensatory
support with exercise. I told my cardiologist I plan on doing the
Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii when i'm 65. He chuckled. But I am serious.
Is is possible that artery blockage caused the cardiomyopathy? Docs
say damage to heart is "diffuse". Sounds like it might have been a virus
also.
Appreciate any help. Looking for info like a madman. Want to get cranking
on therapy. Plan to live a heck of a lot longer.. Put my self on lo-fat,
no alcholol, lo salt, no caffine diet just as insurance. Believe in
self-help as primary solution.
Thank You
Frank