Do i need an ICD/CRT-D

I was diagnosed with LV cardiomyopathy in April, shortly before my 46th Birthday. I have an EF of 18% and have been building up the dose of medications I have been prescribed, gradually since then.

My resting heart rate prior to taking the meds was in excess of 100/bpm, and is now in the region of 80/bpm on a regular basis. My blood pressure is also within normal range again.

As an added complication I have had re-current DVT's in the past and as such have been taking anticoagulants daily for several years. Despite this it was noticed during scans and the angiogram that I have a 1cm blood clot in the apical of my heart.

My cardiologist is unable to ascertain whether or not I have had a heart attack in the past, and I certainly haven't had any symptoms, but in some cases it is possible to have a "silent heart attack"

At present I feel much better now I am taking the relevant medication, but still get tired relatively easily. My cardiologist has explained that due to the unknown cause of my cardiomyopathy and my general condition I am in somewhat of a "grey area", in as much as I am not necessarily in a condition whereby I must have a device fitted and likewise not well/fit enough to not have one. He has effectively left the decision to me and I am trying to read as much as I can about the pro's and con's of having devices fitted, but continually read conflicting papers/articles.

My preference would be to not have one until it becomes absolutely necessary, but on the flip side I feel I would be more at ease knowing I do have one and the benefits it has.

Has anyone out there had a similar dilemma or suggestions on what to do. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

2 Comments

2nd opinion

by Grateful Heart - 2014-06-17 01:06:55


Get a 2nd opinion to ease your mind....that's what I did.

I have an ICD. I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy too, unknown cause....probably a virus that attacked my heart.

My EF was 24%, build up the meds like you are but my EF only went up to 30% after about 3 months so my Cardio at the time said I needed an ICD. I didn't know much about it (also didn't know about this site, or anyone who had a PM/ ICD) so I went to an EP for a 2nd opinion and he confirmed it.

The ICD (CRT-D) will make your ventricles beat in sync and cause your heart to work more efficiently. You should feel less tired and in some cases your EF can improve as well. My EF has been 50% for the past 4 years....I am very lucky, I know. My ICD is 5 years old now.

I can't address the DVT's, blood clot or possible heart attack but all the more reason to get a 2nd opinion since your Cardio does not have some of the answers. For me, I would need those questions answered first.

Sometimes the more you read, especially online, the more confusing it becomes. Everyone here has personal experiences and someone will come along to talk about DVT's and blood clots with you.

Good luck on your decision.

Grateful Heart

Thanks

by rchard - 2014-06-18 06:06:00

Grateful Heart,

Thank you for your response. With out wanting to bore you, I have already seen 2 cardiologists, who have both said pretty much the same. I think what you've told me is pushing me in the direction of making a decision to opt for the device, due to the potential benefits of increased EF and added security that if I should have a heart attack I will have some immediate help from the device.

ROBO Pop

With comments like that I think you ought to keep them to yourself as they are in no way helpful. You even state "most people don't tell all the details here". I was looking for some support which I believe is one of the aims of this site. Not scaremongering statements about ensuring wills are up to date.

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

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