Improved EF

[Lila2008]

Last October I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy with the ejection fraction of 20% ( I am 63 years young).  In December I had a Bi-V ICD inserted.  Yesterday I had a MUGA test done and my ejection fraction has increased to 46%.  Does this mean that my enlarged heart could be reducing in size or just that the ICD and medication is working?  I had a lot of stress before my diagnosis and have not worked since.  Is it possible that if I go back to the stressful environment that my heart might get worse again or am I actually in the process of being cured?

[Lila2008]

Thank you for your comments.  They are very encouraging. The medication that I am taking is Diovan 160 mg daily; Coreg 25 mg (1 every 12 hrs); Lanoxin .25mg daily; Zocor 40 mg daily; and Aldactone 25 mg daily. and I also take 1 baby asprin daily.  I still get tired easily but am trying to walk daily.

[Encephalomalcia]

Stress takes a toll on anyones heart.  When an ICD is inserted, usually the EF will go up.  I have never heard of an enlarged heart becoming smaller.  The heart gets enlarged from the over workload and due to high blood pressure.  EF of 46% is much better than what you had at 20%, but normal is far higher.  You still should get enough rest and not overwork yourself.  I would definitely try to avoid any stressful environment if you can.  Make sure that you are taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor.  The medications really helps and are best.  My dad was taking Lanoxin to strength his heart pump and I took his pulse the other day and was it strong.  There was quite a change that I felt from before he started taking it.  I am glad to hear that you are improving and feeling better.  Take care.