Low Ejection fraction and leaky tricuspid valve

[Darcy2000]

My question is technically for a cardiologist but thought I would give it a shot. I have leaky tricuspid valve and a low ejection fraction of 44 ... are the 2 related ? If the valve is fixed does it help the low Ejection Fraction . I also have a LBBB ( left bundled branch block)

Thanks

[Qualipop]

NO idea if they are connected- I would guess so but EF of 44 sounds pretty good to me.

[Steve_G]

The following is only my basic understanding of cardiac physiology so you should ask your Dr to explain. The tricuspid valve is located on the right side of the heart, the side that pumps blood to your lungs. Given its location on the output from the right ventricle, the ejection fraction you mention is possibly that for the right ventricle and would be a measure of the problem with the valve and how effectively blood gets sent to the lungs for oxygenation. In most cases EF refers to the left ventricular EF (a measure of the efficiency of sending oxygenated blood to the rest of the body) so it would be important to know whether the number you give is for RVEF or LVEF. Fixing the valve might be expected to improve the EF if it’s a RVEF but wouldn’t improve a LVEF number.

[Darcy2000 in reply to Steve_G]

Thanks so much for your informative reply Steve