Ejection Fraction

[DazzyB]

My cardiologist struggles with effective communication and always promises to ring with results but sends a two line letter months later. Is EF ejection fraction from google I believe the same as biventricular function please? Newcastle hospital EF 50% and have been told in letter it is reassuring. Research shows this is below normal. A year and a half ago I was told by another hospital my biventricular function was very good. Are these two different things? Thanks

[Snowdrops_17]

I think only a Cardiologist could answer that DazzyB 👍

[Hidden]

An EF of 50 would have me dancing and skipping out of the Freeman's doors. You wouldn't see me for dust. I think you probably need clarity from the Cardios on your question.

[DazzyB]

Excellent detailed response. Appreciate it that. Rang the secretary of consultant and he’s now on the sick, so can’t get any explanation re the letter. Thanks again

[PeterpPiper]

Congratulations an EF of 50 is good

[DazzyB]

That’s reassuring. I was thinking it was bad for a 42 year old. Thanks

[Ppiman]

This is my understanding. Ventricular function means what the ventricles are capable of doing, and bi-ventricular means what the two of them are capable of doing. Having their function looked at on an echo scan is because a doctor needs to assess whether there's any reduction in their function, i.e. any degree of "heart failure".

What the doctor needs to see is a constant, rather than a falling, ejection fraction, over time. 50-60% is the normal range (there's no such thing as "100%" since about half the blood stays in the upper chamber till the next contraction, and so on). If your ejection fraction is 50% and is stable, then your heart is doing what it should and is not in any way "failing".

"Heart failure" is a poor term in my books since what it means is that the ejection fraction is falling over time. This can be for many reasons, many of which are temporary or reversible.

Steve

[DazzyB]

Appreciate your response Steve. Helps alleviate my anxiety. Have a good day

[wischo]

No an EF of 50% is grand. I had lots of echos and 2 cardiac MRIs in the last 10 years and initially my EF was 45/50%. The last time I had it done it was 54% and throughout the last 10 years I have felt fine. I can easily do 12 minutes on a Bruce protocol treadmill so not worried at all. 70 years now so no worries.

[wischo]

50 to 55% is not considered the low end of EF. Most sites quote it as normal as indeed does my cardiologist so you are perfectly normal.

[DazzyB]

Thanks a lot. Appreciate your comments. What did you do to increase your EF?