My cardiac MRI revealed mildly dilated Cardiomyopathy. Is there any hope of reversing it to normalcy?

[Chibuzo]

Hi everyone,how are you holding up? Fairly, I guess. I have mildly dilated Cardiomyopathy but NEVER experienced any oedema (swelling), shortness of breath, fatigue or any associated symptoms. But for years now, I have been experiencing CONSTANT PALPITATIONS, hotness of the body and frequent urination. My heart's Ejection Fraction is almost normal as of 5months ago (RVEF:45%, LVEF:49%,as compared to 50-60% for a healthy heart). The palpitations are gradually decreasing but very slowly,too. I know dilated Cardiomyopathy is not curable but my question is: will it ever get to a point where I will no longer experience palpitations,or at least, experience it periodically? Just so tired of people staring at my chest all the time cuz it's always moving due to the palpitations. Is mildly dilated Cardiomyopathy reversible, given the fact that no cause was found in my case?

[Vivi2711]

Certainly your quantity & quality of life will improve provided, scrupulous adherence to the doctor's advice, regular medications, cutting your salt by half, exercise regualry as tailored by your cardiologist with no stress.

In some DCM cases even a total reverse is possible. Don't worry! One hundred percent you'll be OK

[Chibuzo in reply to Vivi2711]

Thanks a lot. I ALWAYS stick to my prescriptions and the doctor's instructions. Never take my eyes off the ball. I hope my Cardiomyopathy is completely reversed. Thanks, again.

[pablojack]

My idiopathic DCM was reversed after 18 months/2 years with candesartan. Mine was probably caused by atrial flutter and when this was fixed via cardio version this paved the way for reversal. I also took cq10 and other nutrients which may have had an effect. My ef went from 35% to 67% at the last check up. I never had any symptoms.This may have no relevance to your case but to say that DCM is not reversible is not correct in every circumstance.

[Chibuzo in reply to pablojack]

Thanks,pablojack. You said your EF was 35% and you never had any symptoms. How is that possible? You never had any oedema, shortness of breath, fatigue or even palpitations (periodic or prolonged)? If true, that's miraculous. My EF is relatively normal and I know it will eventually normalize as time progresses. I know mine will eventually reverse but it's going to be months in the waiting. My 2-month Carvedilol and Lisinopril regimen will elapse by the end of August. After that I will have more discussions with my cardiologist. According to your tests,was your DCM mild or severe? Take care.

[pablojack in reply to Chibuzo]

Apologies. My ef was 45% not 35%. The left ventricle was 30% larger, by volume on MRI, while the left v was around 10% dilated. So more than mild but perhaps not severe. When in flutter my HR was a constant 150 regardless of what I was doing. When not in flutter my HR was 45 with thousands of ectopics. In neither was I burdened with symptoms of shortness of breath even with vigorous exercise. Now, after cardio version my HR, resting, is 45 but without ectopics. My case is probably not relevant to yours. However my message is that DCM can in some cases be reversed. I have seen a report stating that, in up to 50% of cases of "idiopathic" DCM, an under lying cause can be found, leading to the most appropriate treatment. Hopefully you are receiving the best treatment available.However, remember also that even if not completely reversible DCM can be improved and managed even when no under lying cause is identified.

Good luck.

[Chibuzo in reply to pablojack]

Thanks, I appreciate.

[Chibuzo in reply to pablojack]

Hi, again. I don't think I will be needing a cardioversion because my heartbeat is steady with normal sinus rhythm. The only problem is that the beats are very forceful and heavy. I am on Lisinopril 10 mg to maintain normal blood pressure. I think I will do just fine, hopefully. Thanks, again.