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Prognosis for CHF and Cardiomyopathy
I was diagnosed with CHF and dilated cardiomyopathy (EF 20%), in April 2010. By July, 2010, my EF increased to 45%. I feel wonderful and lead an active life. What is the prognosis based on this information?
It was long.:) but that’s OK, I read it, and try to help out , only thing I can come up with is that your EF might have changed.
In 2007, your EF was about 36%, if I was you would ask my doctor for another echo!
3 years is very long time. Maybe it is much less now.
Hope not worst, but I sure would go for that first, and see from there.
Let us know.
My best to you.
All:
My story is a bit different. Im 47 now. I've had an irregular heart beat (PVC's, 2-AFIB events 1 @ 34 2nd @ 45) since about 30. I suspected something was wrong in that area for may 5 years earlier, but no one was able to diagnose. The first AFib occurred as I was running one morning, the exact same routine the day before without issue. Brought to hospital in ambulance, and AFib converted with medicine on own over night. I began seeing a cardiologist specializing in Arrhythmias. From that point I was put on Coreg (now generic Carvedilol 12.5mg 2x day. Over time I've always had small and large PVC's. From about 15 to about 37 I was playing basketball competively at a high level. My condition did not really stop me at all. I got divorced at 37 and have not picked up a ball since. Not enough time, and my work demands are high. Since 2004 I was working very long/hard. Not sure exactly when, but during this time more meds were added, (Ramipril 2.5 mg, Digoxin 250 mcg and spironolactone 25mg. all 1x day) In later 2007, one of my checkups the echo revealed an EF about 36%. My cardiologist recommended implanting a Medtronic D154AWG defibrillator which went well. About 2 years ago I experienced a very strange what appears now to have been an occular migrane event (without pain). It freaked me out, as half my eyesight was like a broken computer screen. I was checked for a stroke or TIA, nothing. Also about 2 years ago I had the 2nd AFib event while sleeping and my defibrillator shocked it back, which was a very scary but interestingly re-assuring event. I've always complained about being tired, fatigued, so I had a sleep study done, which revealed that I had occasional apnea, but more importantly I had sleep deprivation from all the 12-16 hour days of working for 10+ years. I've been trying to sleep more, going to bed by 10pm nightly, but increasingly Im feeling more tired and fatigued. For the past year, every morning I ride 20-25 min on the recumbant bike as my knees (with so much basketball).
I've talked to my cardiologist whether my condition would cause such pronounced fatigue, and he said no. So I dont now where to go next.
Sorry for the long story, but Im at a loss for whats going on...
My story is a bit different. Im 47 now. I've had an irregular heart beat (PVC's, 2-AFIB events 1 @ 34 2nd @ 45) since about 30. I suspected something was wrong in that area for may 5 years earlier, but no one was able to diagnose. The first AFib occurred as I was running one morning, the exact same routine the day before without issue. Brought to hospital in ambulance, and AFib converted with medicine on own over night. I began seeing a cardiologist specializing in Arrhythmias. From that point I was put on Coreg (now generic Carvedilol 12.5mg 2x day. Over time I've always had small and large PVC's. From about 15 to about 37 I was playing basketball competively at a high level. My condition did not really stop me at all. I got divorced at 37 and have not picked up a ball since. Not enough time, and my work demands are high. Since 2004 I was working very long/hard. Not sure exactly when, but during this time more meds were added, (Ramipril 2.5 mg, Digoxin 250 mcg and spironolactone 25mg. all 1x day) In later 2007, one of my checkups the echo revealed an EF about 36%. My cardiologist recommended implanting a Medtronic D154AWG defibrillator which went well. About 2 years ago I experienced a very strange what appears now to have been an occular migrane event (without pain). It freaked me out, as half my eyesight was like a broken computer screen. I was checked for a stroke or TIA, nothing. Also about 2 years ago I had the 2nd AFib event while sleeping and my defibrillator shocked it back, which was a very scary but interestingly re-assuring event. I've always complained about being tired, fatigued, so I had a sleep study done, which revealed that I had occasional apnea, but more importantly I had sleep deprivation from all the 12-16 hour days of working for 10+ years. I've been trying to sleep more, going to bed by 10pm nightly, but increasingly Im feeling more tired and fatigued. For the past year, every morning I ride 20-25 min on the recumbant bike as my knees (with so much basketball).
I've talked to my cardiologist whether my condition would cause such pronounced fatigue, and he said no. So I dont now where to go next.
Sorry for the long story, but Im at a loss for whats going on...
Hi kenkeith.:) Good to see you too! I am doing great! About the staying out of trouble part I am not sure.... haha.....but alive....life itself a trouble isnt it?:)
Vienna, it is good to hear from you. Have you been doing okay and staying out of trouble?
I love to hear good results like this. When I was in a famous heart transplant hospital in the UK for several weeks, I got to know lots of patients who have LVAD implanted and didn't seem to get any better. There were a few who seemed to improve thanks to the LVAD assisting the heart. There were also some who were in a kind of limbo land, where they neither got worse or better. I think far more people improve now than they did 20 years ago thanks to better medication and a better understanding of the heart. stilwell it sounds like you are one of the lucky ones and heading for a good recovery.
Hi,
Like kenkeith I had may low EF about 20% near 7 years ago. I was diagnosed with CHF and dilated cardiomyopathy like you, the EF number changed to 35% a month later then 3 months after 45% a year later went to normal over 65-70.%
I am 60 now, and go for 85.:)
Wish the best for you !
Like kenkeith I had may low EF about 20% near 7 years ago. I was diagnosed with CHF and dilated cardiomyopathy like you, the EF number changed to 35% a month later then 3 months after 45% a year later went to normal over 65-70.%
I am 60 now, and go for 85.:)
Wish the best for you !
As you, I experienced CHF more than 6 years ago, and a dilated left ventricle with an EF below 29%. My condition was due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) to an area of the heart that impaired normal contractions. There was restoration of blood flow to the area, medication to reduce the heart's workload (ACE inhibitor to dilate vessels) and coreg. My heart returned to norml size and as a consequence the EF returned to normal (currently at 59%). Additionally, I have always felt well also. and have not a bad day since.
To answer your question about longivity depends on the underlying cause, how well the underlying cause is managed, and if there are concomitant health issues, have an exercise regimen, proper diet, etc. that would be the factors to leading to a normal life span.
Hope this helps, and thanks for the question. take care.
To answer your question about longivity depends on the underlying cause, how well the underlying cause is managed, and if there are concomitant health issues, have an exercise regimen, proper diet, etc. that would be the factors to leading to a normal life span.
Hope this helps, and thanks for the question. take care.
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