cardiomyopathy question

I understand that a defib/pacemaker is no help to a cardiomyopathy individual. I been a patient for 22 years. my EF is 27%. I avoid the extremes and doing pretty good. cardiologist recommends defib/pace. any help would be appreciated. Thanks early. Frank

6 Comments

ICD/CRT

by drew - 2014-02-15 06:02:14

My EF is 15%. I'm getting an ICD/CRT on Mar 6th. I also have dilated cardiomyopathy. With meds, my EF went up to 25% & then started to decline again. The ICD/CRT is the next step. Hope this was helpful.

CRT-d or CRT-p

by Bill T - 2014-02-15 06:02:20

Ask about a Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy unit, it raised my EF from the low 30's back to normal.

Best wishes,

Bill T

Improving

by sonya - 2014-02-16 02:02:14

I was diagnosed with Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy in 2010. It was found by accident. My EF was 10% via Heart cath. My only option at that time was a CRT-D. To make a long story short the CRT-D is the only way i'm still alive. My EF went to 15% in 2011 and remained there for 2 years. Went for ECG last month and now it is 45%. The CRT-D takes a load off the heart and re trains it. I thank the Lord every day for the technology. Good luck to you. Hope this helped. I always love sharing good news.

improving

by fjj17332 - 2014-02-16 04:02:40

Thank you, but I can't understand how you take a sick heart, put electrodes to it, and it makes it work better.

CRT

by L5 - 2014-02-17 10:02:49

Here is a pretty good article that explains CRT:
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/heartfailure/a/CRT.htm

I was 15%EF, LBBB, and cardiomyopathy in April of 2011. Meds got me to 25%. Got CRT in April 2012. Latest echo shows 50% EF and my enlarged left ventricle slightly smaller. Living a normal life. My CRT device is one of the best choices I've ever made.

All best to you!


question

by anniesu - 2014-02-26 08:02:07

I was wondering if everyone that has answered this and have a crt-d also take meds that will increase their EF.? when I was told to get.one that I wouldnt have to Take meds...well im on 2 meds digoxin and troprol XL...for cardiomyopathy so is the meds helping or the CRT-D..To increase the EF

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