Second Opinion?

[Intern]

I`m a 57 year old cyclist, who worked out 12-15hours/wk.

After 4 SVT episodes, during exercise(@120-130BPM)and much diagnosis, I was diagnosed w/idiopathic cardiomyopathy. My EF is 42%, cholestrol tests 140-160 w/35%HDL, and vessels are clean. The cardiologist(Andrew Epstein @ UAB)advised me to reduce my weight lifting to 50%, of previous weight, and lowered my HR ceiling to 110-120BPM, for exercise sessions. I`m, currently taking 3.125mg Coreg/day.  These measures are taken to keep pressure off my thin heart wall.

Since I`ve never had any, known, symptoms other than the 4 SVT episodes, and last year climbed a 14000 ft. mountain and completed the "Triple Bypass" bicycle ride, which is all at 7000+ft. to 11992ft for 120+miles, with no apparent problems, should I seek a second opinion or just be grateful that I was diagnosed early? I feel great and have lots of energy.

Thanks, so much, for the forum.

[2tcollins]

Hi. Please check out http://www.chfpatients.com. I also have cardiomyopathy and that site is the best one out there. Very informative and the daily posts are very helpful.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Intern,

It sounds as if you are doing well from a clinical standpoint with your diagnosis of idiopathic cardiomyopathy. The normal ejection fraction is >55% and yours is 42%. This reduction in the pumping function of the heart increases your risk of death. In addition to the coreg (beta blocker) you should also be taking an ACE-inhibitor and a daily aspirin. You should reduce your level of isometric exercise(weight lifting) and continue your aerobic (isotonic) exercises such as running and cycling. UAB is an outstanding medical institution and a leader in the area of heart failure. It sounds as if the care you are recieving is excellent, however if you would like a second opinion please visit our website at www.ccf.org or call 1-800-CCF-CARE to schedule an appointment in our heart failure clinic.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE