Opinions please

[smcquade]

I was recently diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy with an EF of 20% and a Left Bundle Branch Block.  I've been on optimal dose meds for 9 months with no improvement of EF.  My cardiologist  has recommended a biventricular pacer with difibrulator.  My question is, might there still be a chance my EF will improve on it's own?  I have no symptoms except decreased exercise tolerance so I'm a little leary of the pacer.  What are the odds that I will have a life threatening event?  I'm only 44 and am otherwise very healthy, they believe a virus caused my cardiomyopathy.  Thanks
Susan

[kenkeith]

You have two questions:  A virus can cause heart muscle damage, and heart muscle damage can cause arrhythmia or there may be another underlying cause.  Heart muscle damage can cause a dilated left ventricle and a lower than normal EF.  This not a life threatening event, but has significance in the long term...the need for a pacer has been discussed and correctly counseled.

What is your medication protocol to increase your EF?   Is your lack of tolerance for exercise shortness of breath, and/or chest pains?  Usually the cause for a dialted LV is the system is compensating and it begins to overcompensate if the underlying cause is not successfully treated.  The overcompensation may be due to poor contractions from the virus.  If there is very little heart muscle damage or no damage, medication to reduce the heart's workload will/should decrease heart size and increase EF with time.  Take care.

[smcquade]

Thanks guys for the comments.  I did get the pacer.  Is it normal to feel the pacing at times?  I literally feel my stomach pounding wih exertion.  Will I get use to this?  Thanks again.
Susan

[often]

I fought it for over a year...don't ask me why...once I had it implanted my quality of life improved immeasurably.  My heart size and function went back to normal.  I can do things now that I never thought I would be able to do again.  All because of the pacer portion.  The pacer portion isn't the scary part....the ICD is...but hey...like Brat asks...what if there IS a life threatening event?  Getting zapped pretty much means you fooled the ole reaper, doncha know?

[FLBrat]

at 48 I had to make the same choice.  I chose the BiV ICD and am very happy with the improvement in my life.  I dont even like the odds of a longshot, so it was a no brainer for me.  Some have chosen not to have the device.  FIgure it this way, if there IS a life threatening event, wouldnt you like to have that "safety belt" on?