Second post - first one gave most supportive and friendly answers, and I really benefit from reading all your concerns too. My husband had a major heart attack just over two weeks ago, was rushed to hospital and had four stents inserted with more likely to be needed shortly on his heart's right side. This was all totally unexpected and neither of us had any idea this massive trauma was about to explode. Since then, I've been gathering a wealth of information - a lot from this site, on diet, medication, types of heart disease etc etc. We know it was a major attack with LVSD (left ventricular systolic dysfunction - I think!) which has caused some permanent damage. He's on a plethora of medication and considering he's only in his third week is doing remarkably well, walking short distances, pottering around and quite cheerful. But a learning curve for us both and a whopping warning for the future. The prognosis throws some mixed messages - ok, not all good. But I just wondered if anyone here has had similar - this LVSD bit is my concern and the risks of another attack. Many thanks.
LVSD anyone?: Second post - first one... - British Heart Fou...
LVSD anyone?
I think i'm right in saying that LVSD is the 'after effect' of the event, whether the damage has been caused by a HA, CA etc. Did they say what his EF (Ejection Fraction) is?
I think it was 35% and progressed on discharge to 45%. They want it at 65% before any more stents the other side. I think that’s the EF?
Normal EF is >=50-55%So at 45% it is mild/border line normal.
As for the 'prognosis' i'll let others who have lived with it a lot longer than i've had it, chip in.
Unfortunately once you've had a heart attack you're at higher risk of subsequent and more severe heart attacks, furthermore there's also at elevated risk of strokes. There's a tendency to think of stents as a "fix". In reality they're more of a stop gap measure that allows a second chance rather than a solution. I believe that something like 20% of heart attack victims will be re-admitted to hospital with a second attack within five years.
The sensible conclusion from any heart incident is to thank your lucky stars for 21st Century medical science, and then to grasp the amazing second chance you've been given with both hands.
That means diligently taking the medication and then performing a root and branch review of the lifestyle that lead to the heart problems in the first place. These early days, when the full enormity of what might have happened is still fresh in everyone's mind, is the best time to make some earnest resolutions about a healthier lifestyle and to put the good intentions into practise.
Quitting smoking, losing weight, regular exercise, healthy eating, reducing blood pressure, managing stress, and ensuring good sleep patterns, now is the time to get your action plan for a healthier future underway. Before Covid there was an excellent programme called "Cardio Rehab", which armed the patient with the knowledge and skills to implement a healthier life style. I understand it's still available on-line from the BHF and it's really worthwhile attending.
Good luck!
Thanks Chappychap. We’re doing all you suggest and actually were fairly careful anyway. Seems it may be a hereditary genetic weakness but your advice and thoughts sound really sensible and realistic. We’re both 73 and have had some great times - maybe chill a bit and see what life brings ....
Just had another thought on this prognosis that’s quite uplifting - if 20% of heart attack ‘victims’ are readmitted to hospital within five years, that means 80% aren’t! So, providing every possible caution is observed, plus religiously taking medication and regular exercise in addition to being 73 already - we could hopefully look forward to being octogenarians! Much happier with that. 👍😊
Getting my EF back up to 50% from 34% after a out of hospital Cardic Arrest and discharged from hospital with LVSD with diagnosis of Severe Heart Failure is my ambition. Exercise is usual to improve EF% l have read here about people with a EF% of 10% hold down full time jobs and leading a near normal life while others on30%+ have too give up full time work and take it easy it effects everyone differently I keep a eye on my EF% with a Pulse Oximeter for saturated oxygen to organs.
Hi sorry but what is EF please.....I've never heard it discussed in all my time with the doctors...many thanks ....such a great site to learn and get a better understanding of heart disease 😊
Just found this on google ... a learning curve, eh?!
"Ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement, expressed as a percentage, of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. An ejection fraction of 60 percent means that 60 percent of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle is pushed out with each heartbeat."
thank you so much for taking the time to reply.does that mean only 60% where as someone with a healthy heart would have close to 100% ?
I don’t think it does - not sure 100% is what happens with EF for anyone but will be interested to read others’ comments!
50-70% is considered normal and good 40-49% borderline and below 40% considered low I started with 34% and now up to 38% may not be able to increase much more due to heart damage due to 3 heart attacks and 1 Cardic Arrest and 65 years of age physical activity works for me
As others have said EF of 50 to 70% is considered normal. An EF of above 70% is actually considered to be a problem.
thank you so much . mine is 49%
I believe you need as a minimum an Echocardiogram to determine EF it can't be done on an 02 meter !!! O2 meters are useful but can't determine EF as a percentage
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Hi, I was told last September I have lvsd the left side is midly dilated. Ef 30%. 2 months later cardiac nurse told me I also have a mild leaky valve. I did have a fall after a few drinks and put it down to tripping but I knew deep down I'd lost consciousness and Only with persistence I was finally referred to a cardiologist after a echo and 72 ecg. I've had an angiogram all clear. Now awaiting mri results to find the cause of my lvsd. I'm on different tablets and at the moment asymptomatic. I changed my diet to the Mediterranean way of eating took the advice from cardiac rehab and felt better within myself. I still work in a care home and am careful not to over do it. It was and still is a huge shock but I take each day as it comes. I'm told the lvsd is a cause from whatever has happened to my heart which I'm waiting to find out. I have a pulse oximeter and blood pressure machine to keep everything in check and cardiac nurse is at the other end of the phone if I need her.😊
Hi therYes I had LVSD after Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, all resolved now, still recovering from 2nd event (28th January)but ecg and echo shows no damage and all back to normal. Still on meds though, hopefully will be off those soon.
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