focal wall hypokinesis

[BionicBabe]

Please explain what this means. My EP has explained it several times and I still find myself confused. He calls my condition a focal cardiomyopathy, describes it as a mild case of cardiomyopathy (except I was implanted with an ICD for the potentially lethal arrhythmia it causes) and says I was likely born with it. No sign of clogged arteries or heart attack. Normal BP and normal cholesterol. He says my condition is unlikely to improve or worsen. I take Coreg and Lisinopril. Can you confirm my EPs explanation or give me more information on the following data:

Structural heart disease with focal wall-motion abnormality in the left ventricle with no significant coronary artery disease. Left ventriculogram showed small area between 1 and 2 centimetrs in diameter of the area of hypokinesis of the inferior wall, which was localized, Left ventricular ejection fraction mildly reduced between 45% and 50%. Very mild global right ventricular hypokinesis without focal wall motion abnormalities. EP study showed nonsustained atrial tachycardia versus atrial flutter, as well as atrial fibrillation. Positive for inducible nonsustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia as well as inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillation therpapy. 34-year old female. History of one syncopal episode and one pre-syncopal episode prior to diagnosis.

Thanks for any light you can shed on my condition. I was beginning to deal quite well with my ICD and heart problem, but lately have begun to worry again. I want to know if there is something I should be doing differently or if I should be seeking a second opinion.

[BionicBabe]

Thanks so much for your response! I really appreciate your time and information.

God bless!

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

It looks like you have an early dilated cardiomyopathy with significant ventricular arrhythmias.  You are on the correct meds and with a history of passing out clearly an EP study was indicated.  Some patients improve on the medical program and the heart function can get better!  Sometimes the wall motion abnormality is focal like yours in  a dilated cardiomyopathy.