What steps should be taken for recovery after a heart attack?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father had a heart attack three weeks ago. He is currently on medication and is resting at home. However, the echocardiogram report indicates that his LVEF is 29 percent. Some cardiac enzymes are elevated. How can we improve his LVEF? Can this percentage be improved with rest, diet, or other measures? His blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels are normal, and there are no blood clots present. He feels tired if he walks at home for more than 15 minutes.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your father had a heart attack, and according to his echocardiography report (attachment removed to protect patient identity), the affected areas are thinned and akinetic. This means that the heart muscles have lost their function in these regions. He can take medications such as beta blockers and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors (Carvedilol and Ramipril) to improve cardiac function. What medications has he been given? Another approach is to assess whether there are any additional blockages in the coronary arteries, which may need to be addressed through CABG (coronary artery bypass graft surgery) or angioplasty.

However, I would first recommend conducting a myocardial viability study to determine if the thinned akinetic areas have any viable muscle that could improve his cardiac function.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

He needs to take Carvedilol 3.125 mg three times a day. The dosage can be adjusted based on his blood pressure and pulse rate. He should take Ramipril 1.25 mg once a day, depending on his blood pressure and serum creatinine level. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with take the medicines with their consent. There is an option for CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy), which involves placing pacemaker leads in the three chambers of his heart.

However, this is done only after reviewing his complete ECG (electrocardiogram) reports and ensuring he is fully optimized with his cardiac medications. Additionally, CRT may improve LV function (left ventricular function) when the ejection fraction is between 60 and 70 percent. Ideally, he should undergo an angiogram to assess the coronary arteries.

Regards.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope your father makes good improvement.

Regards.