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cardiomyopathy
I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, LBBB, with a EF of 22%. My cardio Doc originally said that he would like to try me on meds for 6 months to see if they would increase my EF to 35% and then I wouldn't need a CRT-D installed but it remained at 22%. I was also told that I could have my CRT-D removed if my EF got up to 35% at least. I noticed some people on here have an EF of 35% or higher and still have their CRT-D installed. My question is was I misinformed about the EF% and what someone needs to not have a CRT-D installed?
jobal
5 Comments
EF question
by cmgdavid - 2012-03-07 10:03:11
When I got my ICD my EF was 35% and at the time I was told that due to the fact I had experienced 2 VT attacks even though I was in the "grey zone" for ICD implant they were going to give me one.
to Jobal about CRT-D
by anniesu - 2012-03-07 11:03:40
HI...I Seem to have just what you have.I actually was never told that it could be removed if my EF got up to 35% I wish that were true...I have had mine since Jan of 2012 and will have an echo done the first of april to check my EF...I think at 35% it would have to stay..Maybe if you get up to 50% that would be different..
But, somtimes the only reason the EF improves is because of the CRT-D..IF it was removed it might drop right back to 22% Let me know what you find out about this....Good luck
thanks for your replies
by jobal - 2012-03-08 10:03:43
I think it all relates to SCD. The higher your EF the less chance you have of SCD.... I think?
Cardiomyopathy
by Drewgirl62 - 2012-10-26 03:10:48
The comments from others are very interesting. Here in New Zealand, you are not considered for CRT unless your EF is 30% or lower. I am only now eligible because my EF has dropped to 25%.
In 2003 when dilated cardiomyopathy was first diagnosed after months of SOB coughing and extreme fatigue, I was told that meds would possibly help me, my EF then was 17%. Well they have kept me going for nearly 10years.
My older sister had to have a Heart Transplant when she was 60 yrs old, she has just had her 12yr anniversary and lives a much more active life than I do, but anti rejection drugs have taken their toll and her kidneys are her biggest problem now.
Incidentally what is LBBB?
Cheers drewgirl
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Ventricular tachycardia
by cendmat - 2012-03-07 08:03:30
I have a defibrillator because I have ventricular tachycardia (always in danger of sudden death). Never have I been told that they would remove the defib if my EF got up to 35% or more. I've been told I'd have a defib for life.