pls interpret my result

[robert299]

this is the result of my 2d echo...normal left ventricular dimensions with normal contactility and systolic function with evidence of stage 1 diastolic dysfunction...dilated left atrium..thickend right and left coronary cusps with mild aortic regurgitation..mild anterior mitral valve prolapse with mild mitral regurgitation..normal pulmonary artery pressure :-(

[gmachris518]

I was 53 years old when I first had symptoms of congestive heart failure.  Following a bout of Super Virus, and a bleeding ulcer that took over 50% of my blood volume before it was found.

I take Coreg, 25 mg 2 times a day, diltiaziem, 30 mg, 2 times a day, lasix, 160 mg 1 time a day, and it seems to work for me.

I started out excercising (walking indoors), for 5 minutes at a time, then resting.  It has taken me 4 years to get to where I am now, but I'm able to do almost anything I desire, now days.

Perhaps you could benefit from lasix, as it is a diurectic and should help with the shortness of breath, provided fluid is the reason for the shortness of breath.  

Sometimes, if a patient is being given too large a dose of BP meds, it will cause you to feel like you have shortness of breath, when actually the BP meds are zapping your strength, and need to be adjusted.  I would be inclined to believe that this is your problem, but you don't say what your BP readings are.

I have experienced BP readings of 50/30, and felt shortness of breath and extreme weakness, mostly caused by the low BP.  However, 60/40, and I feel great, so it's a balancing act, at best.

JFYI...if you begin to feel like you can't take a breath, get to the nearest ER, ASAP.  They will be able to give you a breathing treatment, such as Albuterol, and clear you lungs in a very short time.  Doctors do not like to use albuterol on heart patients, but will in an emergency situation, and it will feel like a miracle drug to you.

I hope some of what I've said helps....best to you....

[robert299]

how old were you when you were recovering? what did you feel? did you take beta blockers? i encounter shortness of breath whenever i take those medicines..thank you for sharing your experience..

[gmachris518]

In the interest of feeling better, you should follow a low fat, low sodium diet and if you are carrying any extra weight, you need to  lose it.

If you smoke, quit, and if you drink alcohol, give it up.

When working on getting your strength back, the rule of thumb is to excercise until you begin to have problems with talking, due to shortness of breath.....then you quit, rest for 30-45 minutes and try again, provided you feel able to excercise and talk at that same time, after resting.

The length of time it will take to get your strength back will be up to you, and how much time you spend working on it.  For some people, it's an ongoing struggle, for others, they begin to regain strength, and the ability to carry on with a normal life.  It's impossible to say how long it will take you, but it took me about 4 years of following a strict diet, and excercising to get back to "normal" for me.

I hope this helps......

[robert299]

thanks. i consulted two cardiologists and both said that my condition is nothing really serious. but i could not believe it since i've been like this for almost two months already, always feeling discomfort, i can only walk until 50m and should always have companion. i easily get tired. i feel that my head and neck are swelling. whenever i am mad or happy, i experience shortness of breath. but my xray and ecg are normal. doctor gave me beta blockers and multivitamins. but they never hindered me to eat any food. what food should i avoid eating? based from your experience, how many months will i regain my strength or is my case hopeless? should i get another cardiologist? why do they say that my condition is not serious but im not feeling well? :-(

[sunbev]

The diastolic dysfunction means there is a resistance to the blood going into one or both  ventricles    -the regurgitation is a back flow of blood as the heart valve closes..
You have a normal pulmonary artery pressure, the Dr may give you a diuretic for the pulmonary congestion and/or beta blockers, receptor blockers.
I just had the whole gambit of heart tests one being the echo. I was told that a mild regurgitation is not really bad,,,I do how ever know that a Diastolic dysfunction is better than a systolic dysfunction- Hope this helps you to understand a little better.
For a greater interpretation you should write down all your questions, ask your Dr, and make him use layman's terms until you understand..Most people are afraid to ask and that is the only way to find out.....