I’m a 33-year old male. In March I was diagnosed to have idiopathic cardiomyopathy
after an echocardiogram indicated insufficient heart contractions (I think I heard the
phrase: "40 percent ejection"). It was considered to be a fairly mild case, basically
symptomlesss. I was placed on a vasodialator–I don’t recall the name–and was told I
should basically abstain from alcohol for the rest of my life and should start an
excercise program. Last week I had a followup echo and my heart appeared absolutely
normal. What could cause this sort of muscle damage for such a short time? Is it still
critical to avoid alcohol? What are the chances I will have future problems?
- Mike
Michael wrote:
> I’m a 33-year old male. In March I was diagnosed to have idiopathic cardiomyopathy
> after an echocardiogram indicated insufficient heart contractions (I think I heard the
> phrase: "40 percent ejection"). It was considered to be a fairly mild case, basically
> symptomlesss. I was placed on a vasodialator–I don’t recall the name–and was told I
> should basically abstain from alcohol for the rest of my life and should start an
> excercise program. Last week I had a followup echo and my heart appeared absolutely
> normal. What could cause this sort of muscle damage for such a short time? Is it still
> critical to avoid alcohol? What are the chances I will have future problems?
> – Mike
Dear Mike,
I am a 36 year old male who was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in
March 1996. I had and ejection fraction of approximately 18% (normal is
around 50% to 70%). Like you my heart size returned to normal. This is
extremely unusual!! You will need to stay on the ACE inhibitor
(vasodilator) for the rest of your life. Possible side effects include
a dry cough and lightheadedness. Most of the rest of us with
cardiomyopathy are also on some form of digitalis to help the heart beat
more effectively. Are you on this?
A significant number of patients with cardiomyopathy also take a vitamin
called Coenzyme Q10, do a WEB search to find some of the references
avaiulable (also do a search at your local hospital or medial school
library).
You should avoid all alcohol for the rest of your life, alcohol is a
cardiotoxin!
No one can tell you for sure if you will have a problem again in the
future. You can lessen the chances of having a problem by eating a low
salt diet, maintian a slim weight, exercise, get plenty of rest, take
COQ10 and all your medicines, get regular chcekups with a cardiologist
and have apositive outlook.
As for the cause of the cardiomyopathy, in the majority of the cases
(some say 60%) the cause is unknown, referred to as idiopathic. Other
causes are alcoholism, and viral myocarditis (virus which infects the
heart muscle). There is one cause you, as a male, can rule out is
pregnancy, it sometime causes cardiomyopathy.
I am one of the few people I have encountered on the WEB who has
reversed the effects of Cardiomyopathy. My advice to you is to focus on
getting and staying better, never mind trying to find the cause, you
will never know for sure. Please start to change your risk factors now.
There is a good support group located at Jon’s web page. The site map
can be found at
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/hills/2571/jonsitemap.htm
Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. I I can be of
any help contact me via E-Mail directly.
Craig J. Cahill
cjcah…@telegram.infi.net