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Is Ejection Fraction The Only Definitive Test For Diagnosing Cardiomyopathy?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Apr 2016
Question: In 2008 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy based on an ejection fraction of 25. Since that time my EF has ranged, depending on the tester, from 25-55. I have no other side effects. I can climb stairs, ride my bike 5 miles, or swim 20 laps with infrequent stops, with no symptoms of distress. Is EF the only definitive test for a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Ejection fraction may be improved and the same about cardiomayopathy

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Ejection fraction is not a only definitive parameter for cardiomyopathy, usually enlargement of left ventricle is present as well, also with speckle tracking which is newer method there should be decrease in global longitudinal strain.
from your description you have no heart failure, which is a very good sign for good life expectancy. Sometimes low ejection fraction can be improved with medications and healthy lifestyle in months and years.
So I would advise you to have an echocardiography repeat in an excellence center with experienced echocardiographers, even is it is not normal now, absence of heart failure is a very good achievement.

Hope this was of help

Wishing you good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (10 hours later)
Thanks for the answer. I visit my cardiologist 1-2 times a year.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome back

Detailed Answer:
If you visit regularly your physician and follow his advices, you have good chances to recover. I have patients who had cardiomyopathy years ago and with regular medications and healthy lifestyle now they have normal or near normal contravtility and left ventricular size.
So, go ahead, you are on the right way and already have good results
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
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Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1536 Questions

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Is Ejection Fraction The Only Definitive Test For Diagnosing Cardiomyopathy?

Brief Answer: Ejection fraction may be improved and the same about cardiomayopathy Detailed Answer: Dear Sir, Ejection fraction is not a only definitive parameter for cardiomyopathy, usually enlargement of left ventricle is present as well, also with speckle tracking which is newer method there should be decrease in global longitudinal strain. from your description you have no heart failure, which is a very good sign for good life expectancy. Sometimes low ejection fraction can be improved with medications and healthy lifestyle in months and years. So I would advise you to have an echocardiography repeat in an excellence center with experienced echocardiographers, even is it is not normal now, absence of heart failure is a very good achievement. Hope this was of help Wishing you good health In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask regards,