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I was diagnosed with nonischemic cardiomyopathy but they say there is 4 kinds of cardiomyopathy but my doctor is only telling me it is nonschemic and isn't telling me what kind
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Hello yankeemom2001,
It is apparent that you have many questions about your cardiac health. I strongly suggest that you schedule an appointment with your cardiologist. Make a list of all your questions and bring the list with you. Your cardiologist is a specialist with knowledge about your particular case and specific cardiac questions that you have been asking.
Maryann
February 8, 2013 - 2:31pmThis Comment
i am just doing some research,i am not going too ask my doctor as he doesnt answer my questions truthfully,i have cad,cardiomyopathy,empheseema,copd,and fatty liver,conarry arterie desease,and noduals on my thyroids,and a left ventricle dysfunction,i guess it doesnt matter wich one takes me i just want too learn about them so i can tell my family what they are for future ref
February 10, 2013 - 4:09amThis Comment
i have a wrist blood pressure how acurate is it
February 7, 2013 - 5:48pmThis Comment
how low does blood pressure get befor it is dangerouse?
February 7, 2013 - 5:47pmThis Comment
i have a mild cad and a moderate left ventrical dysfunction my ef was 40 % i had a stress test done it said my ef was 30 too 35 % it said it was ishemic cardiomyopathy but my doctor did a heart cath on me and it said ef was 40% and non ischemic why is there a diffrent out come of the test
February 7, 2013 - 5:26amThis Comment
Hello yankeemom2001,
This is a very good question. I can understand that you might be concerned about getting a different ejection fraction value from each test.
Ejection fraction is a test that determines how well your heart pumps with each beat. In most cases, the term "ejection fraction" refers to left ventricular ejection fraction. This is the measurement of how much blood is being pumped out of the left ventricle of the heart with each contraction. The left ventricle is the main pumping chamber of the heart.
Ejection fracture can be measured by a stress test, nuclear stress test, coronary catheterization, MRI scan of the heart, echocardiograhy, and a CT scan of the heart.
These diagnostic tests vary in degrees of what information they provide. A stress test measures how your heart and blood vessels respond to exertion. During a coronary catheterization or angiogram, your cardiologist may have done a ventriculogram, which is a procedure to determine the strength of your left ventricle.
The results of the coronary catheterization are more accurate because your cardiologist received more information and was able to make a diagnosis of non ischemic cardiomyopathy.
This probably explains the difference in the two test results. Always consult your cardiologist to be absolutely certain of this.
Maryann
February 7, 2013 - 2:22pmThis Comment
is cardiomyopathy the same as left vetrical dysfunction?
February 7, 2013 - 3:41pmThis Comment
Cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction are not the same.
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. There are four main types. These diseases have many causes, signs and symptoms, and treatments. In general, with cardiomyopathy, the heart muscles becomes enlarged, thick or rigid. As the disease worsens, the heart becomes weaker.
Left ventricular dysfunction refers to the condition in which the left ventricle of the heart loses its ability to pump blood. It can progress to the point when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to sustain the body during various activities. This is called heart failure.
February 7, 2013 - 5:30pmThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Nonischemic cardiomyopathy is a type of heart muscle disease in which there is weakness in the muscle that is not due to coronary artery disease. It is sort of a mixed bag of disease states, each with their own causes. There are a number of causes including drug and alcohol toxicity, certain infections, and various genetic and unknown causes.
There are four types, each with different changes noted in the heart muscle.
Has your physician been able to determine which type you have?
Differentiating the type requires more than an EKG. Talk with your physician. Ask if more testing is necessary. Ask what treatment options are available to you?
Please keep us updated.
February 6, 2013 - 6:03pmMaryann
This Comment
i found out it is dialated cartiomyopathy i would love too know more about it
February 8, 2013 - 1:57pmThis Comment