HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Family History Of Heart Disease. What's My Life Expectancy Assuming I Receive And ICD?

default
Posted on Fri, 10 Aug 2012
Question: I am a 50-year old male, non-smoker, with a long family history of heart disease due to high cholesterol and triglycerides. I run 15-25 miles/week, take Liptor, Trilipix, Niaspan, etc. and have never had a heart attack. A recent bi-annual nuclear stress test, and subsequent MRI, revealed LVEF of 34; two years ago it was 57.

What's my (average) life expectancy assuming I receive and ICD?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Grover (2 hours later)
Hi XXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
I am qualified and certified cardiologist and routinely put ICDs. I read your mail wit diligence.
You have written name of 3 drugs all are for high lipids.
Then you have written about family history of heart attakcs.
Finally, you mentioned EF by radionuclide studies and MRI.

You have not mentioned what symptoms you have? Are these symptoms of Congestive heart failure and you are being advised ICD for EF being lower than 35. Or do you get angina, or your EKG and/or has suggested Coronary Artery Disease. I will not suggest going ahead without coronary angiogrphy first. Even, if you are survivor of sudden cardiac arrest.

Please write more details.

With Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover,
Cardiologist
M.B.;B.S, M.D. (Internal Medicine) D.M.(Cardiology)
http://www/ WWW.WWWW.WW
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Anil Grover (12 minutes later)
No symptoms. My regular bi-annual nuclear stress test, and subsequent MRI, revealed LVEF of 34; two years ago it was 57.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Grover (1 hour later)
Hi XXXXXX

That brings the original question what is the indication to put in ICD.
You run 15-25 miles at least in a week and you are asymptomatic is contradictory to the fact tat your ejection fraction is less than 35%.
What is the opinion of your cardiologist why he wants to put ICD? If I were in your place I would ask for a second opinion from an electophysiologist/cardiologist before making up my mind. I am not sure how to answer life expectancy question in normal or near normal person (cardiovascular system wise). ICD can prevent you from arrhythmia for which, so far, you have given no proof you have propensity for or risk of because of underlying condition. I am sorry, but your EF value is becomes doubtful by your lack of symptoms and an excellent effort tolerance. Looking forward to your answer.

With Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover,
Cardiologist
M.B.;B.S, M.D. (Internal Medicine) D.M.(Cardiology)
http://www/ WWW.WWWW.WW
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Anil Grover

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 922 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Family History Of Heart Disease. What's My Life Expectancy Assuming I Receive And ICD?

Hi XXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
I am qualified and certified cardiologist and routinely put ICDs. I read your mail wit diligence.
You have written name of 3 drugs all are for high lipids.
Then you have written about family history of heart attakcs.
Finally, you mentioned EF by radionuclide studies and MRI.

You have not mentioned what symptoms you have? Are these symptoms of Congestive heart failure and you are being advised ICD for EF being lower than 35. Or do you get angina, or your EKG and/or has suggested Coronary Artery Disease. I will not suggest going ahead without coronary angiogrphy first. Even, if you are survivor of sudden cardiac arrest.

Please write more details.

With Best Wishes
Dr Anil Grover,
Cardiologist
M.B.;B.S, M.D. (Internal Medicine) D.M.(Cardiology)
http://www/ WWW.WWWW.WW