Ejection fraction

[Hare123]

Hi. My husband had a heart attack just over a year ago., with one stent fitted. Had a few ups and downs in the first 6 months, but the last few months he has been feeling really good mentally and physically, and is fitter than he’s ever been. However he had a routine echo a month ago the results of which we have been chasing as they went missing. The doctor has just text to say they have the results and his left ventricle ejection fraction is 45% and they will discuss it at next appointment. We have no idea what this means, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on this?

[RufusScamp]

It is a measure of efficiency of the heart. Around 50% to 60% is usually regarded as normal. 45% is not too bad - mine was down to 20% at one time. Others may have better information!

[Hare123 in reply to RufusScamp]

Ahh ok thank you, thank you. . Is this something that can be improved then?

[Qualipop in reply to Hare123]

Yes it can be improved usually with medication

[RufusScamp in reply to Hare123]

What can be done depends on the exact cause, but medication and a pacemaker greatly improved my case. Regular exercise and a good diet can't do any harm!

[High_fives]

Hello

I have 45% EF picked up like your husband on a echo (I'd had a heart attack but no treatment up to then). The Dr described it as preserved EF and indicated my heart wasn't as efficient as it was before, but not harmful in itself.

I don't notice any difference from what it was before nor have any symptoms today. I had various other tests (ecg, 24hr ecg, ecg with stress, ct scan) and the medication I take is statins & Aspirin and plenty of exercise & good nutrition.

Each case is different but I'm happy to continue with my current EF of 45% and probably means I'll need to work harder on my fitness later in life (58 today). In my case I don't need it any higher because I have no symptoms. The key is not allowing progression of the plaque in arteries (from cholesterol) so the heart gets plenty of blood.

Good luck with the follow up appointments

[Hare123 in reply to High_fives]

Thank you for sharing that. He’s on two lots of medication to reduce his cholesterol and his ldl is currently 0.5 so hopefully that’s a good sign

[iansHealth1]

EF takes a lot of my life up as in order to get back to work - train driver, so very safety critical - my firm want a 40% EF.

Currently I sit somewhere between 17 & 37 EF depending on whether a consultant (17) or an MRI (37) looks at the results.

[Hare123 in reply to iansHealth1]

Sorry you have to cope with that extra stress of work. Thanks for your reply, that’s interesting about the levels can depend on who looks at them

[MummaSoap in reply to iansHealth1]

Wow that’s a huge variance! I knew that even on echo’s alone they can vary by as much as 10% (my cardiologist said “that’s normal to see”) but 20% feels huge!

I really feel for you with your work situation as that must be SO frustrating!! I hope that your EF continues to improve and you can get back to your job.

Out of interest, do you have other markers that you need to reach to be deemed “safe”?

Best wishes

Soap 🧼