Decrease in EF - Dilated Cardiomyopathy

[Bally88]

Firstly let me say what a wonderful site this is - and my thoughts are with all of you going through this sort of event.

My wife was diagnosed around 10 months ago with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.  It was found by accident really as she was undergoing surgery for cancer and her heart rate fell through the floor while in hospital.  As a result, she was admitted to the Cardiac Unit and her EF was 30-35%.  Another echocardiogram was done in March this year which showed a significant improvement to an EF of 50-55%.  This attributed to medications of Trictace (12mg) and Dilatrend (13mg).  Due to developing cough, the Dilatrend was changed to Adacain (26mg).

Today however we find that her echocardiogram was 40-45%.  A notable decrease.  In addition, she cannot undergo any further surgery (she needs shoulder surgery to remove some calcium build-up and a small lump).  Disappointing and I was wondering if this downtrend in EF is 'normal' or 'unusual'.

Thank you all for your time and we both wish you all the best of wishes.

[maggiemag]

An EF of 40-45% should not preclude surgery.  I have had a number of things with that EF or lower!  Get another opinion.

[often]

Did your wife have any chemo after her cancer surgery?  Some of them are known for inducing cardiomyopathy.  Perhaps her cardiologist should look at her meds and make some changes. 50-55% is considered normal, so she hasn't decreased all that much.