Borderline Cardiomyopathy

[Lucky482]

After my MRI scan in sept 2009 I am diagnosed with boderline Cardimyopathy. There was some mild left ventricular hyperkinesias and an ejection fraction of 41%. I have been on ramipril  since. My wife wont stop crying because she says that means I dont have long to live. I am so terrified. Does anyone know what the diagnosis means . I am due another MRI scan in sept 2011.. Thanks

[taminga]

A year ago, I was diagnosed with CHF (conjective/chronic heart failure).  My heart capacity was 7%.  Both the left & right side of my heart were severely damaged, with all 4 valves leaking and my heart extremely enlarged.  A year on and the right side has improved with the right subscribed medications; my heart has shrunk only a little, but has shrunk, all 4 valves are still leaking, but not has severe and my heart capacity is now 46%....

My specialists have advised having an overactive thyroid for 15 years has been the cause of my CHF.  My thyroid with nodules (known has a multinodular goiter) was completely removed June 2011 and having thyroid issues had hidden the issues that I am having now but I look at the "light at the end of the tunnel" and think positive!!!

[kenkeith]

Borderline Cardimyopathy indicates the heart is slightly enlarged.  The enlargement reduces the heart's ability to pump strongly.  The normal strength for the heart is to pump at 50 to 70% of the left ventricle chamber's filled capacity with each heartbeat rate. Your heart is pumping 41%.

The reason for the lower than normal EF is due to a heart wall having a movement impairment (hypokinesis) and that is likely the result of an insufficient blood supply to the heart wall cells in question. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause for the hypokinesis.  About 7 years ago my EF was below 29%, enlarged heart, hypokinesis, etc.  Currently my heart is the normal size and pumping at 59% by increasing the blood flow to the deficit area that lacked good blood supply.  

Current treatment for your conditon appears to be medication for hgher than normal blood pressure. If blood pressure is high, the heart pumps against higher than normal resistence, and as a result the heart increases in size for the over load and there is a reduction of the EF. Decrease the resistence with medication (ramipril), the heart may reverse the remodeling with rest and return the heart to proper size and that can increase the EF....my experience.

If your heart condition cannot return to normal, the heart's functionality can be sufficient as evidenced by many individuals who do well with a lower than normal EF.  There are compensating factors that help the system cope with a weak heart, and with the proper life style, proper diet, exercise, etc. there can be a long time going forward with no progression, normal longivity, no symptoms, etc. and possibly a return to a normal heart  conditon.

Thanks for sharing, and if you have any further questions or comments, you welcome to respond. Take care and I wish you well going forward.

Ken
  

[vienna13]

Tell your wife STOP crying right away!:)
I had a very serious case of heart failure EF 20 % and was also diagnosed with cardiomyopathy the same time all soon 8 years ago. On medication I am, but doing very well. My EF went back normal in the first year.  I am living a normal life, never afraid from anything, not even from dying.  But I also feel I have many years to stay around.  So do you. Do not be terrified; just do all the important changes you might need. Fallow the heart friendly lifestyle!
Best to you and wife!