Confusing medical terms

[dittydo]

After 10 years of EJ of 45%, just received a 30% after heart cath. No heart attack and no blockages same as in the past. Very confusing. What is: "anterolateral and apical hypokinesis", "mitral regurgitation"? I am assuming "should have repeat assessment of her LV function" is talking about left ventricle function. If so, that makes no sense, how do you check half a heart. And then this letter says "If there is no significant improvement, she would probably benefit from primary prevention ICD therapy." Please could/would you tell me what this is?
I have had heart disease since Jan 1996 where at the age of 40 I died on the way to the hospital from a massive MI. This is the first time I have encountered these issues.

[kenkeith]

QUOTE: What is anterolateral and apical hypokinesis", "mitral regurgitation.  

>>>>>Hypokinesis is an impairment of the heart wall located at the anterolateral and apical of the heart.  Mitral valve (opening between the upper and lower heart chamber) and the leaflets that should tightly close over the opening fail, and there is back flow of blood rather than pumped into circulation. Usually, not a problem unless the regurgitation is moderate to severe.  If it a problem the symptoms would be shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, etc.

Your heart is complete but hypokinesis is effecting the strength of your heart to pump a normal amount of blood.  The EF (ejection fraction) is the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat...normal is 50 to 70% and your post indicates 30% EF.  The hypokinsis is likely due to a prior MI.

Hope this helps and if you have any further questions, you are welcome to respond.  Take care.  

ICD unit implant provides some protection against the heart going into an abnormal rhythm pattern of heartbeats that could be very serious.