reduced EF and Left bundle branch block

[WB59]

I am 59 and have had left bundle branch block with no symptoms since 2016 , now have reduced EF of 43% It has gone down by 2% in the last 2 years so a bit worrying if it keeps dropping. Only just found this out as no one explained it to me 2 years ago so not sure yet how to take it. I was told it was ok as long as it stays above 40 and just have another test in a year but now I am wondering if my tiredness and getting out of breath quicker is related . Anyone else have similar problems?

[Shar28]

Hello and welcome to the forum. When it comes to EF please remember that a normal heart has an EF of 55% or thereabouts so at 43% yours isn’t too bad. Also, measuring EF isn’t a precise science. It can vary a bit with a different machine, between the staff using it, the exact angle of the probe, the angle you’re lying at etc. So a drop of 2% is necessarily hugely significant.

EF is only one measure of how your heart is working. A cardiologist will also take into account your symptoms and other test results when deciding the way forward.

Also, are you sure your symptoms are heart related? I’m not wishing any other condition on you but could it be a chest infection, asthma, thyroid imbalance etc? Your GP will be able to help .

Best wishes to you and your loved ones

[WB59 in reply to Shar28]

Hello , thank you for replying, guess I just was a little worried that it is going down ra than up. Have to say my last experience having the ecocardiogram wasn't the best as it was painfull and they caused small cuts on my skin so weren't gentle at all. I had a call from my surgery today saying they are going to test for asthma so yes it maybe that which is causing me to be breathless after my chest xray came back clear .

[Silvertail]

Going down 2% is nothing really, given that cardiologists say your EF can vary 5% each way. It depends who is reading the echo, etc. 50% to 70% is normal

[WB59 in reply to Silvertail]

Thanks for the reply. The consultant never mentioned that it could just be because it was a different machine etc he just said they need to keep an eye on it and keep retesting every year.