cardiomyopathy

[tismorg]

I have recently been told my heart is working at 75%. There are alot of medical terms that are very confusing. I have also been told that since my blood pressure runs so low, I can not be given meds. BP: 102/60.

I have the following documented on my Stress/Echo
Rest Echo
LV EF is 35%, LV Size is moderately increased. Anterior, anteroseptum and lateral walls hypokinetic at rest.

Post Echo
Increased contractility of all endomyocardial segments with no new wall motion abormilities.

Demonstrating pre-existing anteroseptal, anterior, lateral wall motion abnormality.

Findings
LV Chamber moderately dialated. LV diastolic function normal, anterior hypokinesis. lateral hypokinesis. anterospetal hypokinesis
RV normal
LA Chamber is mildly dilated
RA chamber is normal
Aortic Valve is trileaflet arotic valve. there is trivial aortic regurgitation
Mitral Valve is structurally normal. there is mild central mitral regurgitation
Tricuspid Valve is sturcturally normal
Pulmonary valve is normal. there is mild pulmonic regurgitation
Pericarium. there is not pericadial effusion present
Aorta root dimensions are normal
there is no intracardiac mass or thrombus identified.

Cardiomyopathy with reduced systolic function and regional wall motion heterogeneity. Dilated left atrium.

What does all of this mean??

Symptoms: Dizzy spells, when at rest, walking. Heart pounding in throat at rest, sitting, walking.

Thank you so much....please help me better understand as there is heart problems really bad in both sides of my family.

[Machaon]

Quote of tismorg: ===> "Symptoms: Dizzy spells, when at rest, walking. Heart pounding in throat at rest, sitting, walking." <===

From your echo, you have mild to moderate damage to your heart and to your heart valves, which would cause health problems, such as those you describe.

Do you also suffer from any breathing problems, such as a vague tightness in  your chest, or labored breathing?

In order to attempt to stop the progression of heart disease, one must make their lifestyle and environment "heart-friendly", get blood pressure down to healthy levels, and take most effective medications that attempt to limit the stress to the heart and lower the blood pressure.

It is very important to eat a good quality, low calorie, small meal, balanced diet, and avoid anything that can overstimulate the heart, such as tobacco, caffeine, excess sugar, second-hand cigarette smoke, over-eating, etc.

[kenkeith]

QUOTE: I have the following documented on my Stress/Echo
Rest Echo
LV EF is 35%, LV Size is moderately increased. Anterior, anteroseptum and lateral walls hypokinetic at rest.

Post Echo
Increased contractility of all endomyocardial segments with no new wall motion abormilities.

Demonstrating pre-existing anteroseptal, anterior, lateral wall motion abnormality.

Findings
LV Chamber moderately dialated. LV diastolic function normal, anterior hypokinesis. lateral hypokinesis. anterospetal hypokinesis

>>>>>>>EF is the ejection fraction of blood pumped into circulation with each heartbeat. Normal is 50 to 70% so your heart is pumping lower than normal, and the additional information provided with your report indicates there is heart wall movement impairment (hypokinesis) and the report provides the location.  Also, the heart's left vetnricle (pumping chamber) is moderately enlarged, and that may or may not impair EF.  Also, the upper chamber (atrium) is slightly enlarged.  

Normal diastolic function indicates the heart is filling normally.  There is some minor heart valve leakage, but that usually is medically insignificant.

Usually, hypokinesis is the result of a prior heart attack.  A heart attack can damage heart cells and reduce contractility, thereby, reduce the heart's output and that would explain your lower than normal EF.
Sometimes hypokinesis heart wall cells can be revitalized with a better flow of blood to the area in question.  That would increase your EF and reduce heart dimenisions.