This is a very complicated case that without reviewing the echos and the underlying rhythm in which they were performed, it is difficult to know.
If you have moderate MR then you don't need surgery, simply need to address underlying risk factors such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure with medications. The increase from an EF of 15-20-50 most likely occurred because of a change in rhythm, and/or the modality performed e.g TTE versus TEE, so all of these changes need to be taken with a grain of salt.
To answer your questions: No I don't think that this change is a progression towards death, and yes a significant portion of the blood pumped by the LV will be into the LA and eventually into the LV, but this is due to the MR which is not severe at least yet,
Hi and thank you for your answer. I have since been back to my cardiologist. I asked him about the new mitral valve regurgitation and asked if it was a bad sign. He then told me something that I had not known, that I originally had tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy (prior to my being dx with NHL) and that is reversible, and since I had a near normal echo prior to chemo in Oct 2008 that I had "recovered" from it. I then asked about the chemo induced dilated cardiomyopathy, and he said he was not sure that was what I had, and he was going to look up any pathology reports from the aortic balloon pump insertion and the ICD as well. So now I am really confused. Does this mean that my heart problems are over? If so, why do I have the terrible symptoms (dizziness, exhaustion, tunnel vision, loss of appetite, fluid retention, funny heart beats, especially at night?) I had when my heart function was at its worse? I feel a bit lost as I am being treated by a cardiology group, where I do not always see the same cardiologist, as well as the electro specialist. I keep on getting different answers.
I just have to say... you are a very strong and brave individual. I sob complain and cry over pvcs &shortness of breath when there is you and others going through things so severe like this! im ashamed to say the least. I know im no help but you are to me thank-you... I hope you are doing most wonderful!!! :)