My mother (46 yo), was diagnosed with CHF in December 2010 with an EF of 10-15%. The doctors said they did not know what caused it so they initially diagnosed it as Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. After about two months on beta blockers, ACE receptor inhibitors, and diuretics her HF symptoms ( irregular heart beat, orthopnea, frequent shortness of breath, edema) were gone and her EF went to 20%. After another 6 months, her EF went to 25%. At this point she started taking maximum doses of all her medicines ( she had to build up slowly, as she could not tolerate larger doses initially). After another 6 months ( a few weeks ago) she had another echo done and her EF was reported to be between 25%-30%. All the doctors we spoke are recommending a CRT device with defibrillator.
For the last 6-7 months she has not had any symptoms, she walks about one mile everyday and is able to do all housework without any problems. Since she is feeling comfortable, she wants to wait another 6 months to let her EF reach 35%.
She does not have any other medical problems.
I wanted to know if there is a chance that her EF will increase in the next 6 months, and if there are any risks of waiting longer to get a CRT implanted.
How long does it usually take, or is expected to take, for someone with similar stats to reach an EF of 35%.
Thank You,