LV Systolic Function Impairment

[Stamford1]

Hi,

Had a HA in October 2020, one stent fitted, been reasonably ok since, recently had a echocardiogram and it picked up impairment of LV, estimated ejection fraction of 35%, got a telephone consultation next Thursday with cardiology consultant, currently on usual cocktail of drugs including Ramipril and Bisoprolol, anyone else had similar experience and can the 35% be increased or is it a case of stays same or gets worse?

Thanks

Jon

[fishonabike]

I am sorry to hear that you have recently been given this news - firstly, it is important to be aware that a normal Ejection Fraction (EF) is accepted as 50-60% - an EF of 100% is not possible, but i'm not going to explain why, you'll have to look that up!😊

There are medications which can help improve your EF, but i'm sure the cardiologist will outline the options as well as any further tests they might feel necessary

The cardiologist might suggest a check echocardiogram as EF estimation can vary by + or - 10%, due to a variety of factors

Meanwhile remember that you have probably been functioning at this level for quite a while already so avoid over-thinking it😊

[Stamford1 in reply to fishonabike]

Many thanks for your reply, I did wonder if I've been functioning at this level for some time and didn't even realize it, haven't had any symptoms to be honest, anyway I'm sure the cardiologist will explain all next week, once again thanks for the reply 👍

[Lezzers]

Yes, your EF can absolutely increase with medication & life style changes. My husband's EF increased from 30 to 51 with medication & exercise. However, everyone is different so you will need to be guided by medical team as to what would be the best approach for you. Good luck 🤞

[Stamford1 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you!

[richard_jw]

I had a STEMI at roughly the same time. The heart muscle was damaged because the blood supply to the right coronary artery was stopped. After it my EF was around 50%. 50-65% is considered "normal". Currently, the EF has increased to 61% so yes the EF can change over time. Has anyone reviewed your meds since the heart attack? I'm not a doctor but it might be that changing the meds would increase the EF. In my case the EF was measured several different ways. Several echos a nuclear medicine scan, and a stress echo. They all came out around the 61%. They usually do an echo shortly after the stent was fitted, it should be on your patient record.