Heart Flutters

Open Question: Ejection fraction in dilated cardiomyopathy?

April 17th, 2010 | by admin | Open Question: Ejection fraction in dilated cardiomyopathy?
My husband has severe dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 9 percent. Based on the definitions I have read (he won’t let me go with him to see his dr) I believe he is either between level III and level IV or in level IV NYHA classification of dilated cardiomyopathy, defnied as congestive heart failure. He also has severedecreased LV systolic function, pulmonary hypertension and a long list of secondary conditions. He is 60 years old and has an implanted defibrellator and early stages of emphysema. The cause of his cardiomyopathy is unknown; heart disease (but not specifically cardiomyopathy) runs in his family but I personally believe it is caused by long-term cocaine use many years ago. How will his disease progress? Do patients like him typically end up on long-term life support? What is the risk of dementia caused by the heart disease (he is showing signs of it now)? How long can I expect him to live? He had heart valve surgery about 10 years ago and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in the summer of 2008 although he probably had it for years before that. I have not been able to find specific facts anywhere; any answers would be most welcome. Thankyou.

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:28:52 GMT

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