I'm really concerned about my mom. She had a heart attack at the end of October and initially had some anginal pain, but the meds seemed to help for a couple of months. After an angiography, her doctor found an 85% blockage in the LCX OM artery and decided to do an angioplasty. I was hoping that would improve things, but a month later, her LVEF dropped from 45 to 32. Before the angioplasty, her heart was stable, and the dimensions of the left atrium and ventricle seemed normal, but now they're dilated. I was expecting her to get better after the angioplasty and I'm really worried. It's just me and my mom, and I need some guidance on what could be happening. Can you help?
The drop in LVEF after angioplasty may be due to various factors such as the extent of the heart muscle damage from the heart attack, the response to the stent placement, or potential complications post-procedure. To help improve her heart function and prevent further deterioration, her doctor may consider adding medications like Carvedilol (Coreg) to help improve heart function and reduce strain on the heart. Additionally, medications like Lisinopril (Zestril) may be prescribed to help reduce the risk of future heart-related events. It's important for your mother to follow up regularly with her cardiologist for monitoring her heart function and adjusting her treatment plan as needed. Encouraging her to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can also support her heart health. Stay positive and supportive for your mother during this challenging time