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Had Pace Maker. After Exercise Therapy, Diet, Been Advised As 35% Proficiency. Prognosis?
My Brother, 65 yo had a Widow Maker MI after Hiking a Mountain in the Elkin area of North Carolina in July, 2012. He seems to be doing very well and is also doing well in his Exercise Therapy and Diet . States that he feels fine, but recently told me his Physician advised him he has 35 percent proficiency, with 50-55 percent being normal. Can you tell me the prognosis regarding the next few years, in general based on the 35 percent and in general. Thank You, Ann
Thu, 30 May 2013
Dear Anne,
He has now what we called ischemic heart failure; before we had good medications for this condition, mortality at 5 years was 50%! Now, with good medications and follow up, mortality could be between 5-20% at 5 years which is an improvement. One of the issues is that if after several months (usually at least 6) of optimal medications his function is still 35% or less, he would qualify for an implantable defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
He has now what we called ischemic heart failure; before we had good medications for this condition, mortality at 5 years was 50%! Now, with good medications and follow up, mortality could be between 5-20% at 5 years which is an improvement. One of the issues is that if after several months (usually at least 6) of optimal medications his function is still 35% or less, he would qualify for an implantable defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Hope that helps, wish you the best,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN
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