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Question:

Can my EF return to normal after myocarditis?

Myocarditis - I came in with an EF [ejection fraction] of 10%, now it is 35%.  What are the chances for it to go back to 55%? Also, if I do recover am I still at risk? 

submitted by Reid from Kalamazoo, Michigan on 3/7/10

Answer:

by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Atasu K. Nayak, MD

Thanks for the question. It is a good sign that your LVEF [left ventricular ejection fraction] is improving. The chance of returning to normal EF is very good. Please continue all your medications and modify your risk factors including regular exercise. Please follow up with your cardiologist. Ultra sonogram of the heart for LVEF should be done on yearly basis. Risk of cardiovascular events are much less if your LVEF comes back to normal. But you have to continue your medications for a long time.         

See also on this site: 

• Heart Disease Risk Factors
• Cardiovascular Medicines
• Heart Information Center

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Updated March 2010