Chances of reaching a normal EF

[a82504]

i am 40 yrs old and am in decent physical shape. have ot smoked or drank for at least 15 years. 7 months ago i was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy and my EF was 25%. with medication three months passed and through a MUGA scan my EF was at 44. after another three months an echo indicated my EF only improved to 45. my dr did not appear to be too optimistic about my chances of further improvement in my EF. is there still a chance that through the medications and proper exercise my EF could reach normal (55-70) and should i seek any second opinions or solutions? is this just a long drawn out process?  

[kenkeith]

Your EF depends on the condition of your left ventricle's heart muscle as explained in my previous post.  Unfortunately stating the underlying cause is unknown doesn't provide much information regarding prognosis.  You may inquire with consultation what has been ruled out as a possible cause.  Ideopathic diagnosis almost always is ruling out all possible underlying causes...differential diagnosis.  I don't know if all possible tests have been given as a basis for an ideopathic conclusion.

[a82504]

my job requires me to get my EF back up to 55 or higher by a certain time (1 1/2 yrs) or i may be reclassified. so any advise would help.....thanks

[kenkeith]

The underlying cause for your cardiomyopathy would help, but it appears the cause is unknown (ideopathic).  Apparently there is heart muscle damage and that could cause the heart to work harder, and the increased workload for the heart could further decrease EF.

Medication could reduce the heart's workload and that would/could raise your EF.  Did your echo indicate an enlarged left ventricle?  There is a member, flycaster, who does very well with an EF of about 45% for years so it may be something that you don't have to focus on.  

My experience was an EF of 13-29% six years ago.  The condition was an enlarged left ventricle due ischemia (blocked vessels), medication to dilate coronary vessels and a stent helped my heart to heal and return to normal size and normal EF in about a year..