PS: Please add this to my original questions...
I did better than average on the tread-mill stress test. My pulse was 146. My BP remained a resonalble number as well.
My EF number is 42, I believe. I have been cleared to have daily mild to moderate exercise.
I take 75 mgs of Atenolol daily and have been for several years.
Your dilated cardiomyopathy isn't a terrible one with an EF of 42%, so that's good. Exercise should help you to stay feeling good. Outcome depends on the cause, and if the cause can be modified. A dilated cardiomyopathy medication regimen usually includes more than Atenolol, are they putting you on an ACE in addition to the Atenolol? Do you know if you have heart enlargement? Did they say they suspect a cause, such as coronary artery disease (an ischemic cardiomyopathy) or a viral or unkown cause?
Yes, 42 is not too bad of an Ejection Fraction number. I hope it stays that high during the Echo I am having.
I suspect they will put me on an ACE Inhibitor. I will know more about the heart 'size' after the Echo I I I I am getting this Wednesday.
I doubt that they know the cause of my cardiomyopathy.
I have good BP and pulse rate is low too. All my other blood work has been good as well.
I wish you good news on your upcoming echo!
Well, my echo didn't go so well this morning. They say I have heart weakness...and my cardiologist is thinking I should get a heart cath done to see if I have any clogged arteries. Anyone familiar with this? Is a heart cath dangerous?
I am waiting to hear if my primary care doctor wants to add ACE Inhibitors, Coreg? etc....I am taking Atenelol now as I have stated before.
I would appreciate any input. Thanks.
Anyone out there who has Dilated Cardiomyopathy and feel you are doing okay and will live a normal lifespan, more or less? Thanks.