4 weeks ago I was told I have cardiomyopathy. My ejection/fraction is 20 to 25%. The doc said probably caused by viral infection. I am a smoker so I have to quit. Have not smoked in 3 weeks. Tough but doable. He put me on 150mg of Avapro and started me on 3.125mg of carvedilol twice a day for 2 weeks which he doubled today to 6.25 and will double again in two weeks. I had a cardiac catheterization in 1993 which showed an ejection/fraction of 59% so I guess this happened between then and about 1998. I will be 55 this Saturday. What is the outlook. What experiences have other people had. I feel pretty good except for worry and depression about situation. I am semi-retired and always keep busy with home projects, hobbies etc. But after this diagnosis I am finding it harder to get motivated. Every time a chest hair gets folded over I wonder what is going on. I guess this anxiety is normal but I'm just looking for some encouragement. Thanks to everyone
Posted on May 21, 2002, 2:48 PM from IP address 205.188.201.191