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Question:
What advice can you offer my husband regarding his heart?
After visiting an ER for the feeling of "an elephant on chest", the outcome was this: normal blood work and EKG, but an abnormal Echo- 20% on left side, which led to a heart cath. The cath showed no blockages. It did show 1, slightly leaky valve (dr said a 1 on a scale of 4), a thicker heart muscle, and a missing main artery (left side-2 branches go directly into heart). Follow up will be 6 months and once every year after that to watch. The question is- Is this something to be worried about? What are the appropriate steps to take? My husband is 39 and we have 3 young kids. He drinks almost daily (4-5 during week and 10 or more on weekends) and smokes 1 ½ packs a day. The doctor told him no smoking/no alcohol but I'm not sure he believes him. I'd love any more information you can give me.
submitted by Sarah from Michigan on 9/10/2014
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Scott R. Sherron, MD
If echo truly revealed a 20% ejection fraction of the left ventricle, that is a serious problem and would require meds and consideration for implantable defibrillator if it does not resolve within 3 months (a wearable defibrillator could be considered in the interim). This condition is called non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and can be caused by a virus. It can be reversible but needs close followup. However, if none of the above was mentioned, then I suspect something has been "lost in translation". A 20% blockage in one of the heart arteries for example would be much less serious.
Regarding tobacco, it is clearly bad for a person on every level and is one of the strongest promoters of coronary artery disease. It has no redeeming features and is a greater health risk than heroin. Sorry if I sound excessive, but there is actually data to back up that statement.
Alcohol in moderation is relatively cardio-protective at least as it relates to coronary artery disease. Moderation is a broad range, but is often described as 1-2 drinks per night for men. However, it can be a cardiotoxin and in certain heart conditions, it should be severely limited or stopped altogether. These include cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.
I apologize if this answer is rambling. I am trying to cover a large topic in a few words. Wish you the best.
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Updated September 2014
