EF and ICDs

[michelemc]

If your EF is in the normal range, is it unlikely that you would need an ICD or are the two unrelated?

[JAMESFETT]

That would be true for the recovered PPCM patient. However, there are other reasons why malignant arrhythmias occur, even with normal systolic function, and an ICD might be indicated in those situations. The major recent change in increased use of ICD's however, has come about for those with both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies who have very decreased systolic function, usually <30 %.

JD

[michelemc]

Thanks! My echo was moved up one day earlier than I expected, so I didn't have all of my questions ready. In the hospital, I had some irregular heart beats, so they talked about an ICD, but then decided to revisit the issue at three months post CHF. My doctor didn't say anything about an ICD when he told me my EF was now 50, so I was wondering if that meant it was not an issue anymore. I forgot to ask him directly.

Michele

[ibrenJ]

I have been carrying a vest which is like an ICD with the difference that it is not implanted just because when I was diagnosed my EF was about 15%. after six months I did not reach the 30% that will qualify me not to be a candidate for an ICD. I saw an EP at BWH. Whao also wanted tpo hold off on that because one of the requirement is optimum medication therapy for at least 9 monthe post dx. At that time I was on Coreg 12.5mg bid this dosage was being changed every two weeks since my target dose was 25mg bid. I still believe I will get up there. My case is different in that I have always had regular heart rate, my EF now is 25% and I not only refuse to have one put on , my cardiologist think there is no discussion aboutthat for now since I am showing improvements while on steady meds. With your EF so high, discuss well with your cardiologist to know the exact reason why you will need an ICD.
Ines
Dx 7/06
Current EF 25%
Mom to Brendan 4/05&
Jamie 5/06

[JAMESFETT]

Good to double-check that with your cardiologist, but I would imagine with an EF of 50 your cardiologist no longer felt you should be considered for an ICD--appropriately so, unless there are other rhythm problems in your heart's electrical system.

JD

[michelemc]

Thanks Dr. Fett. And Ines, one of my sons is also named Brendan.:)

[JAMESFETT]

Wonderful progress in 3 months, EF from 15 to 50!!! Yes, I am sure you are not a candidate for an ICD. Nor should you need coumadin any longer unless there were other indications, of course to work out all that with your cardiologist. It gives me a lot of joy to see your progress.

JD

[michelemc]

Yes, my cardiologist did say I could probably come off of Coumadin soon. I have had some unexplained tightness in my chest and a cough. They ruled out anemia, so I am doing a stress test next week.