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Question:
How long after a STEMI [heart attack] is the heart done remodeling?
I had a stemi [STEMI ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction] 20 months ago. I have 1/3 apical akinesis of the left ventricle. My EF has remained at 50. I am concerned I could still have remodeling and I could end up with heart failure. I am an active 43 year old woman. How long after a stemi is the heart done remodeling? Also do I still carry a risk of a clot developing in the apex? I take Plavix still.
submitted by Andrea from Illinois on 4/4/2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Neil E. Strickman, MD
After a stemi, heart remodeling is usually all done by 3 months; however, indefinite treatment with beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, diet control , sugar (glucose) management, exercise, weight control, anatomy of the other vessels and revascularization of those arteries all play a role in the heart's recovery. Your risk of having a clot develop in the apex of your heart depends on the extent of the damage it suffered.
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Updated April 2012
