Echo results

[stiggs]

I just recieved my Echo results in the mail as I was recently diagnosed having Cardiomyopathy and was wondering if anyone can translate the information.  
Here it is:
Resting HR: 95  Resting BP: 128/86 Arrhythmia: Frequent PVC diminished with exercise.  Analysis: 1. resting images: Mildly enlarged left ventricle and there is moderate diffuse left ventricular hypokinesis. Ejection fraction estimated at about 40-45%.
2. Post Exercise Images: Augmentation of the left ventricular wall motion however, still remains slightly hypokinetic even though there is no exercise-induced hypokinesis or dyskinesia as compared to the resting images.
Conclusion:
Abnormal resting left ventricular function as described above however no evidence of exercise-induced ischemia by left ventricular wall motion analysis poststress with actually moderate augmentation of the left ventricular wall motion with no specific localized area of worsening wall motion. Nevertheless, poststress images are somewhat suboptimal and also patient does have frequent ventricular ectopic test with frequent ventricular ectopic more significant during stress and poststress.
Recomendation:
Complete resting 2-D Echocardiogram with measurements of the chamber sizes.

Thanks for reading not sure what it all means can anyone eplain in laymens terms?

[gmachris518]

What medication are you on?  

With an EF of 40-45, Coreg should be on the list, as it helps the heart to beat stronger, thus move more blood with each beat.

Optimum BP should run around 110-115 over 60 to low 70's, with resting heart rate between 60-70, so medications should be dosed accordingly.  

Also, Lasix, if fluid retention is present, should be on your med list, in a dose that will bring the fluid into normal range.  I've been told some people require up to 500 mgs a day, but I've never known anyone who takes that high of a dose, as this formulary is only overseas at this point.

These numbers are only for a heart patient, and I don't know what they would be for a "normal" person.

I do hope the best for you, and would be happy to have your EF, as mine is at 20% after 3 1/2 years of Coreg.  It's an improvement, but not what the doctors were expecting.

I assume you have been told that if you're even a little bit overwieght, to lose it.  If you drink alchohol, quit, and if you smoke, give it up now.  If you are going to excercise, remember not to excercise to the point of not being able to talk without having to strain to get your breath, but do get up an move as much as possible. You should be able to carry on a normal conversation, without having a hard time breathing, while performing whatever exercise you are doing at the time. Other than that, keep all of your appointments, and take your medication.

I hope the best for you........

[stiggs]

Thank you ssophy and jrbon.  
I am learning more and more about my condition every day.  Thanks to both of you again for educating me on my condition. I am currently on medication and I am being monitered by my cardiologist. Not sure what the future holds but only time will tell.

Sincerly, Stiggs

[jrbon]

I am not a dr. but,

The most important info is the EF 40-45. Normal ranges are 55-70. It indicated the percentage of the blood stored in the left ventricle that is ejected with every beat.

PVC means PreVentricular complexes, it means that sometimes your heart beats twice in the time of one. It is related to ventricular ectopics that are also mentioned.

Your left ventricle is enlarged, but with  the echo they will give precise measure that will need to be followed up together with the EF.

If you has already diagnoses you should have already a medication that will reduce your BP and heart rate.

Jesus

[ssophy]

I only know a few of these terms,here they are
resting heart rate of 95 is a little high
resting blood pressure also a little high
arrhythmia means not normal rhythm

PVC sorry can't help you I don't know
moderate diffuse left ventricular hypokinesis means the left side of the heart is not moving as much as it should when it contracts
ejection fraction means the amount of blood the heart pumps when it contracts
abnormal resting left ventricular function-the left side of the heart is not working as well as normal when you are resting,no sign of lack of blood supply caused by exercise
suboptimal means not the best and ventricular ectopic means extra beat of the ventricle not in the normal rhythm
i hope someone medically trained will come along soon to help you more!

the echocardiogram will give the doctors information about all the different parts of the heart and how well they are functioning.