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LOW EF from Myocarditis
I am a 57 year old male. 2-years ago I had Myocarditis. My blood pressure was always around 120/80 even throughout all this problem. Did not know I had a heart problem until I went to Doctors because I was not feeling good (no heart pains) and they did an EKG and they thought the abnormal EKG showed a heart attack. Ended up in Methodist Hospital (Houston) heart clinic intensive care for 4-days. Nuclear radiology and all other tests showed some abnormality or swelling of the heart but was unclear but not a heart attack. My EF was at 26% - Was put on Coreg and Analipril and Aspirin. Was released from hospital and the Cardiologist had me come back for a catheter two weeks later. The catheter showed that there was no scarring to my heart and my arteries were all clean. My EF had gone back up to between 35 to 40%. The doctor said that it must have been a viral infection that had caused some Myocarditis but was not sure what virus and when I got it. The Doctor had me visit every three months after that and was pleased with the progress. One year after the Myocarditis I got really short of breath and I was tired and palpitations. EKG showed Atrial Fibrillation. Doctor had me back in the hospital for a Electro Cardiversion that put me back into normal sinus rythem and was feeling good again for 1-year.
Was on just coreg and digitek and felt fine until about one month ago when my breathing got really bad again. I came off the coreg in December and was only on the Digitek that have been taken off now. Went to a new Cardiologist (because I have moved since last year), the cardio had me on a halter monitor and did an echo and stress test. The monitor showed a slight arrytythmia lower chamber and my EF back down to 26%. BP was still 120/80. My breathing was so bad I could hardly walk on the treadmill. The Cardio was concerned about the EF and the arrytythmia and said that I might be a candidate for an ICD and had me go to Cardio Vascular consultant. The Cardio first put me on Metoprolol, Lisinopril and Aspirin. Within one week, my breathing is almost back to normal (BP 98/68, however, upon viviting the Cardio Vascular consultant yesterday he said it is a tough call because of the low EF and the previous AF and Myocarditis that was not sure wheteher I need the ICD now or not. The EKG yesterday shows normal sinus rythem but the consultant said my heart still sounds a little on the weak side. I have another appointment with the cardiologist in 2-weeks for a follow up. Judging by as good as I feel now and my better breathing, I expect my EF will have improved (unless these new meds have made me feel better). Since last week I have been able to do between 2 to 3 miles on my elipyical trainer without getting out of breath. Probably silly questions but here goes anyway. Is it a bit soon yet to be considering a ICD and is it possible that my heart can get strong again given there is no scarring or artery desease? I would be interested in your comments. Thanks for your help, the Major!
This discussion is related to Aortic Repair and Low EF.
Was on just coreg and digitek and felt fine until about one month ago when my breathing got really bad again. I came off the coreg in December and was only on the Digitek that have been taken off now. Went to a new Cardiologist (because I have moved since last year), the cardio had me on a halter monitor and did an echo and stress test. The monitor showed a slight arrytythmia lower chamber and my EF back down to 26%. BP was still 120/80. My breathing was so bad I could hardly walk on the treadmill. The Cardio was concerned about the EF and the arrytythmia and said that I might be a candidate for an ICD and had me go to Cardio Vascular consultant. The Cardio first put me on Metoprolol, Lisinopril and Aspirin. Within one week, my breathing is almost back to normal (BP 98/68, however, upon viviting the Cardio Vascular consultant yesterday he said it is a tough call because of the low EF and the previous AF and Myocarditis that was not sure wheteher I need the ICD now or not. The EKG yesterday shows normal sinus rythem but the consultant said my heart still sounds a little on the weak side. I have another appointment with the cardiologist in 2-weeks for a follow up. Judging by as good as I feel now and my better breathing, I expect my EF will have improved (unless these new meds have made me feel better). Since last week I have been able to do between 2 to 3 miles on my elipyical trainer without getting out of breath. Probably silly questions but here goes anyway. Is it a bit soon yet to be considering a ICD and is it possible that my heart can get strong again given there is no scarring or artery desease? I would be interested in your comments. Thanks for your help, the Major!
This discussion is related to Aortic Repair and Low EF.
Thanks for the reply KenKeith. This is the first time I have ever posted here on this website, so I am not sure what's what. You have posted several great replies to many people regarding a whole range of problems that are heart related. Is this your site or do you work for MedHelp? Or is it just several volunteer people on the site that post answers to comments and questions? Either way, I appreciated your reply as it has given me some important things to consider, specially regarding the exercise and exertion. I will be keeping a close eye on the EF for awhile and hopefully have not suffered any new permanent damage. Since this issue started with breathing problems, do you think I should get a lung xray? I did have a chest infection about one-month before my last heart episode. Did you also hear about the Digitek recall and that problem? I stopped taking it the week my breathing problem stopped?
Your post indicates there is no permanent heart muscle damage. The risk with weak heartbeats includes blood clotting within the heart, and also an insufficient amount of blood is transported to the heart beacause of weak heart beat, and thus increase the risk of embolisation and stroke, or increase in the risk of heart failure, or increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Exercise does increase the strength of contractions, and there is no impairment due to heart muscle damage and that appears to be ruled out so the heart will/should get stronger. Since your myocarditis your EF as not been within the normal range (50-70%), and that issue should be resolved before risking yourself to excessive exertion. Having no shortness of breath does not rule out an unfavorable episode for heart cell damage as often damage can occur without any symptoms. I had a silent heart attack 4 years ago...no symptoms until the heart failed to pump out sufficient blood causing blood coming from the lungs to back up resulting in pulmonary edema and a trip to ER.
Exercise does increase the strength of contractions, and there is no impairment due to heart muscle damage and that appears to be ruled out so the heart will/should get stronger. Since your myocarditis your EF as not been within the normal range (50-70%), and that issue should be resolved before risking yourself to excessive exertion. Having no shortness of breath does not rule out an unfavorable episode for heart cell damage as often damage can occur without any symptoms. I had a silent heart attack 4 years ago...no symptoms until the heart failed to pump out sufficient blood causing blood coming from the lungs to back up resulting in pulmonary edema and a trip to ER.
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