Ejection fraction 38

[Cosychair]

I have recently been advised my ejection fraction is 38 per cent. I have had a bout of pneumonia and still have some fluid on the lung. I am waiting for an MRI on my heart. This has all come as a big shock to me, before this I was healthy, no problems with my heart. Since I have started my new medication I seem very breathless. Would love to hear from anyone who can reassure me about this new scary thing that is happening to me.

I have been told I can increase my ejection fraction .

Any info would help.

Thanks

[Scroll]

hi. Cosy, I had heart failure last year out of the blue, the resultant EF was 35%, had a stent fitted, but with time and meds it is now 52% which is in the normal range. I did have to and continue to do so have reduced fluid intake, 2 to 2.5 ltrs per day, with a low EF you are generally advised to lower as it helps.

Hope the fluid clears quickly.

Breathlessness can come from the heart condition as well. Especially first thing in the morning. Fingers crossed you scan gives a better indication for your treatment.

[Cosychair in reply to Scroll]

Thanks for that, feel better now. It's been such a shock. Thanks. Take care.

[Sljp0000]

Hi, I don't really understand what caused your low EF but if they've said it can can better than it can.My EF dropped to 35 last year after a failed bypass surgery, fluid on the lung and major blood clots in the heart and lungs. A month ago I was told it was back to mid 50s which is normal for my age.

Keep moving and eat healthily. You can do it!

All the best

Susie

[Cosychair in reply to Sljp0000]

Thanks, love positive feedback. Take care.

[Survivor1952]

My EF was down to 30% when I was admitted after a routine examination. I was suffering from breathlessness. It had come on suddenly 7 months previously.

I had 2xPCI which was supposed to solve matters but a further issue was found and I had AVR and 1x CABG. My EF on discharge was 63% which I understand is in the normal range. I’m 71.

I had a lot of fluid on my lungs and around my heart too, described by one as potential pneumonia.

If it hadn’t been for the actions of the medics I doubt I’d be writing this now.

[Cosychair in reply to Survivor1952]

Thanks, yes, I have fluid on my lung.and have also had pneumonia. Pleased you are on the road to recovery. Thanks for info. Take care.

[iansHealth1]

I’m 62, at my last ultrasound (Nov 23), my EF was 15%. Not a typo, 15%. I had a HA in Oct 22, stent fitted, was in hospital for a long time, hypovoleamic shock, loads of complications, AF, arrhythmia, etc.

My heart and left lung were badly damaged as I waited a long time for an ambo.

I walk at least 10kms a day, I don’t generally get SOB unless it’s through exercise.

I’m no longer on a fluid restriction and don’t have any swelling, although I do take a diuretic (one of 9 drugs a day I take).

Apart from sweets, I eat healthily and no longer smoke or drink.

The docs reckon my low EF is a result of a drug or a mixture of the drugs I take.

I can cope with my lifestyle and low EF as I’m used to it I guess, but you should see me walking up a flight of stairs. I pant like an old dog.

I think the exercise has really helped and it has taken me a long time to get to 10kms a day.

One foot in front of another.

[polenta]

I too had a low EF of 10-15% almost 10 years ago and was in CHF, with medication and a CRT-D inplant, I was able to get it back to 55%. I am sure once your lungs start healing and you are on the mend it will start improving. Medication for low EF can also cause SOB and fatigue and as you get use to them that all improves. Wish you well.

[fishonabike]

i hope the earlier answers have helped to reassure you that things can improve

one thing nobody cairified is that an EF of 50-70% is normal - 100% is not possible, so don't expect to get there!🙂

[Wanderingstar52]

I have pneumonia in my left lung now and was reading up and can take a month to stop feeling tired and out of breathe

[Cosychair in reply to Wanderingstar52]

Wondered how your left lung was doing. My pneumonia was in my left lung. My back still aches quite a bit. Feel like I'm improving but it is taking a long time. Hope you are continuing to improve.

[theonethatgotaway1]

Where you breathless before starting the meds? I thought this initially after my heart went into full blown failure. 12% ef rate at 35 years old. But I think its the heart itself causing these symptoms. Fluid on lungs was a big symptom for me back then. Hopefully the meds will improve your heart. Mine is back up to 30-40%

[Cosychair in reply to theonethatgotaway1]

Wow, 12% ef that's low. You have done well to get it back up. How do you feel now? I am waiting for an MRI on my heart. Hopefully that will be OK.

[theonethatgotaway1 in reply to Cosychair]

Yeh it's been a few years. A lot better in many ways. Heart rate is stable, bp fine. It was in full blown AF at the time. So I was on death's door for a while. Now it's mostly pains and aches here and there. Causes terrible aniexity. It's a rough ride to be fair. Mentally.

[Cosychair in reply to theonethatgotaway1]

Sounds like you've had a rough time. Hope things continue to improve for you.