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Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Hello all,

So I will start by telling you how I came to find out about my heart condition. I am a recovering addict, and my drugs of choice were heroin and cocaine. In 2016, I was hospitalized for an abnormal heart rhythm, and a couple of weeks later I went to see my cardiologist. He told me I had a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

At the time I blew it off and didn't start taking the meds. Then in 2021, I had an echocardiogram done, and my ejection fraction was at 42%. That is a little low but not a big concern. Then in September 2022, I repeated the echocardiogram. My EF was 25%, and the walls of my heart were pumping very poorly. My doctor put me on lisinopril and metropolol, and now my EF is at 20%.

My biggest question is, is there anyone out there who has a story like mine? What happened to you? What's going to happen to me? My cardiologist is horrible at answering questions or helping me, so any answers would be very appreciated!

Thank you.

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