Left Ventricle and Septum Damaged after acute MI

[toby45]

Sorry for posting again so soon - but could someone tell me what kind of problems I could have after my MI. They did a nuclear test and found damage to the left ventricle and septum. My EF is 55%

What should I be looking out for - the cardiologist didn't say anything. Just said I have damage, need to take medicines and exercise. I read somewhere that arrhythmias can set in. It's been 4 mts since my MI and I'm beginning to feel some needle like stabbing pain on the left side of my chest about 2 inches below my left nipple. I'm male!

Thanks
Toby

[kenkeith]

As Jon states you should discuss your condition with the doctor.  To give you some insight to enable you to have a better discussion for potential problems, etc...almost always damaged left ventricle heart cells will impair left ventricle contractions and cardiac output will be reduced with each stroke.  However, your 55% EF (55-75% normal) indicates very little if any impairment.

If cardiac output is reduced, you can have shortness of breath, muscle fatigue, and possibly angina (pain)  due to ischemia (lack of blood low).  Your doctor may want to rule pericarditis (inflamation of the area surrounding the heart) and that can cause pain.

If there is damage to the septum, that can cause arrhthmia as the septum (wall separating left and right heart chambers) provides conductive pathways for electrical impulses to pass going from the upper chamber to the right and left ventricles to activate contractions.

You should get a copy of all reports for your records, and if there are any ongoing questions you can have the reports as a reference.

[erijon]

Just me again, these are questions you really need to sit down and discuss with your cardiologist, they are just too important. Your cardiologist owes you these answers so write down your questions and go see them or go to the ER if you are having chest pain, don't take the chance. None of us on this forum are doctors and you sound like you need some real answers.

Good luck.......

Jon