Water dehydration

[Stephanie'sbigheart]

Dr. Fett

My EP called today with the results of my EF. He said it is 50-55, almost 8 months post part, and then asked if I have been drinking plenty of water! He said something to the efect that my right side of my heart looked a little smaller. :eek: Does that make make any sense? He was in a hurry so he did not elaborate but just said to drink enough fluids. Can you shed any light on this matter in the mean time I will up the water in take. Thank you,

Stephanie

[JAMESFETT]

Most importantly, your EF of 50 - 55 % sounds great. Perhaps he is saying that there may be some suggestion of decreased blood volume due to fluid restriction, resulting in decreased size of right heart? Anyway, with that EF it does not sound like something of great concern, and with fluid intake one wishes to be in the middle, not too much, not too little.

JD

[Stephanie'sbigheart]

Thank you Dr. Fett for you kindness. I hope this is something that will correct its self pretty quickly if I up the amount of water in my diet. I guess I have been a bit shy on water lately and I live in the desert!

Biggest hugs ever,

Stephanie

[Stephanie'sbigheart]

I ordered a copy of my echo and noticed the EF was stated at 55-60! Wow was I surprised because when he called with the results he said 50-55! Not sure which to believe or even what to say about this but over 50 is good!

Anyway on my report it stated that I had an underfilled RV and IVC suggesting volume depletion. It also stated the inferior vena cava appears small and underfilled. Are these two related and is this what indicates I am dehydrated? I am a little nervious ...okay a little more than a little...... I can not help but think this is the start of a more serious problem slowing starting. PPCM does that to you! :eek:

If my EF is over 50 then why would my left atrium appear to be mildly to moderately enlarged still? :confused:


many thanks!


confused as usual--stephanie

[JAMESFETT]

Great news, your LV EF 55-60 %. Absolutely, believe it. The other findings are minor, and not a cause of concern. If you were seriously dehydrated your EF if anything might tend to drop, but it has not. Are you on diuretics? That could lead to some volume depletion, and indicate that you could "lighten up." All-in-all, great news!

JD

[Stephanie'sbigheart]

I am not on diuretics but I have been on several rounds of antibiotics. Is this small problem something that clears up rather quickly if the water intake is adequite or does it take months?


Thank you for easing my mind.

[JAMESFETT]

It's not really a problem, and I would just ignore it and go about life as normal. Best wishes,

JD

[Stephanie'sbigheart]

Thank you Dr. Fett that I will do! :D