Left ventricle impairment : Just had a... - British Heart Fou...

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Left ventricle impairment

Jonhel profile image
11 Replies

Just had a call from cardiology. My echocardiogram is showing left ventricle impairment. They want to do a second echocardiogram to check for accuracy as my heart rate was high (156 bpm) during the first one and this could have distorted results.

Just wondering what left ventricle impairment would mean for me in terms of prognosis and treatment x

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Jonhel profile image
Jonhel
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11 Replies
Chloeb13 profile image
Chloeb13

Did they tell you what your EF was during the echo?

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply to Chloeb13

I didnt know they were supposed to tell you I never get told until I get my letter bout 5 months later.

Chloeb13 profile image
Chloeb13 in reply to Yumz199725

I didn’t say they were supposed to tell them, I was just seeing IF they told them :) I got told my EF each time I’ve had an echo.

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply to Chloeb13

oh ok that's interesting maybe cause your EF was low maybe x

Chloeb13 profile image
Chloeb13 in reply to Yumz199725

My EF was always 52-55%, so might just depend on which hospital you’re in

Yumz199725 profile image
Yumz199725 in reply to Chloeb13

oh thats good mine on my last echo was 59 which is great. Yeah maybe St barts doesn't tell you anything during your echo unless it's urgent.

Deejay62 profile image
Deejay62

Hi, I think if your heart rate comes down on the repeat echo they can tell you exactly what’s going on. If they mention heart failure ask them what your ejection fraction is. A normal ejection fraction is 50% and above. Until you have the next one try not to worry, at least you’re being seen, because they’re repeating it, and hopefully being looked after. All the best

Jonhel profile image
Jonhel in reply to Deejay62

Thank you. I will definitely ask about ejection fraction. That’s good advice not to worry about it until I have a clearer picture. I really appreciate your good wishes x

Smitty1956 profile image
Smitty1956 in reply to Deejay62

Just two cents worth, but you can still have heart failure with a normal EF—HFpEF.

I am still waiting on a visit with my cardiologist in November to discuss the results of my echocardiogram from August. My EF was visually assessed to be 55%. However, the report states that I have abnormal diastolic function, borderline LVH, and elevated filling pressure. I’m not sure what it all means without talking with a doctor. Of course, I do worry a lot about it! 😂

I just wanted to emphasize that someone can have a “normal” EF and still be diagnosed with HF. I have not had any type of formal diagnosis yet—so, maybe I am getting way ahead of myself on this.

Survivor1952 profile image
Survivor1952

I'd agree, you need to know your EF (ejection fraction).

Mine was around 30% on my first echo, that is considered heart failure, I was diagnosed with severe LVI. I had an angioplasty which raised my EF to 45% (which is still low), a further echo showed additional problems causing the restricted EF and I had AVR and a single CABG.

Post procedures I'm up to 61% on my last echo and my fitness has improved a lot since then. Between 50% and 70% is considered normal. Over 75% is abnormal and cause for concern apparently.

Jonhel profile image
Jonhel in reply to Survivor1952

I’m so pleased that you are doing well post procedures. Very reassuring x

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