Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
is it likely that AF will diminish with additional weight loss
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
is it likely that AF will diminish with additional weight loss
by Scot__0__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Scott on January 16, 1999 at 10:13:15:
I am a 32 year old male who has lost 100 pounds since August 98, my current weight is 447. (I am continuing to lose weight) In August I underwent electrocardioversion for an episode of AF. (I had been in AF for + or - 72 hours prior to the procedure) At that time a TEE was done and I was told that I had dilated cardiomyopathy (all four chambers) and my EF was estimated to be 45% . The consulting cardiologist and electrophysiologist both told me that persons of my size almost always have some degree of heart enlargement. I was told by one cardilogist that the heart enlargement would likely decrease with substantial weight loss. While the other cardiologist's diagnostic impression was that it would not decrease. The cardioversion was successful, yet approximately once per month I experience a bout of AF. These episodes last anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. I also have hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels. Otherwise I am healthy and active. My medication regime includes Mavik, Toprol, Cardura, Diazide, Rhythmol, Coumadin, and Aspirin. In August I increased my activity level. At that point, due to shortness of breath and fatigue, it was difficult for me to walk 1/4 of a mile without rest. I am now able to walk as far as like without experiencing breathlessness (However, I continue to be limited by some leg and back pain when attempting to walk long distances). My questions are as follows:
1) Is it likely that the episodes of AF will diminish with continued weightloss?
2) In your opinion which cardiologist is correct? Will my heart size decrease with continued weightloss?
3) Is it likely that my EF will return to normal with continued weightloss?
4) Generally speaking, what is the prognosis for someone with my particular pathology?
5) How frequently should a TEE be completed?
Thank you for your time.
I am a 32 year old male who has lost 100 pounds since August 98, my current weight is 447. (I am continuing to lose weight) In August I underwent electrocardioversion for an episode of AF. (I had been in AF for + or - 72 hours prior to the procedure) At that time a TEE was done and I was told that I had dilated cardiomyopathy (all four chambers) and my EF was estimated to be 45% . The consulting cardiologist and electrophysiologist both told me that persons of my size almost always have some degree of heart enlargement. I was told by one cardilogist that the heart enlargement would likely decrease with substantial weight loss. While the other cardiologist's diagnostic impression was that it would not decrease. The cardioversion was successful, yet approximately once per month I experience a bout of AF. These episodes last anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. I also have hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels. Otherwise I am healthy and active. My medication regime includes Mavik, Toprol, Cardura, Diazide, Rhythmol, Coumadin, and Aspirin. In August I increased my activity level. At that point, due to shortness of breath and fatigue, it was difficult for me to walk 1/4 of a mile without rest. I am now able to walk as far as like without experiencing breathlessness (However, I continue to be limited by some leg and back pain when attempting to walk long distances). My questions are as follows:
1) Is it likely that the episodes of AF will diminish with continued weightloss?
2) In your opinion which cardiologist is correct? Will my heart size decrease with continued weightloss?
3) Is it likely that my EF will return to normal with continued weightloss?
4) Generally speaking, what is the prognosis for someone with my particular pathology?
5) How frequently should a TEE be completed?
Thank you for your time.
