Ejection Fraction and life expectancy

[Freshorangejuice]

I asked the question and probably should not have done so. But I asked the cardiologists what my life expectancy was. Their reply was that statistically anybody admitted to hospital with an ejection fraction of less than 25% and no matter what remedial work is done ie replacement of valves etc has a life expectancy of about 5 years. Has anybody else asked this question and got a similar response?

[PinkKizzie]

Hi Freshorangejuice, yes, I asked the same question. My EF is 25% and I asked if that could be improved with medication, eating habits and keeping active, the consultant didn't say yes but he didn't say no. He said they look at it from the view of keeping the heart stable. I won't know if my EF has improved until middle of 2025 when I get another echo. I was supposed to get a pacemaker but it didn't go to plan so now I take lots of good meds and feel really well. Hope all goes well for you. Take care.

[santino44]

Hi Freshorange juice

Generally from dianogsis of Heart Failure 50% of patients will have died this is what I was told in hospital nearly 5 years ago with my Reduced HF with a EFof 30%, personally I prefer the fact that 50% will surive after 5 years and have worked towards that with physical activity/excerise/diet/lifestyle changes with the addition of Co-Enyzme Q10 supplements this appears to work for me along with my HF Medication

[AmandaLouise77]

I have AF, in January EF of 28%, I was very unwell and breathless. Although still functioning and getting on with life. A cocktail of drugs followed by urgent ablation, echo in early May, EF now 50%, low normal, much less drugs and Bisoprolol dropped to 1.25. Follow up with EP last week. I'm being sent for another echocardiogram, he fully expects to see my EF back in the normal range,55-65%, based on my physical health now. I'm amazed at how the body/heart can fix itself given a little intervention. I had severe mitral regurgitation which has reduced to mild, at one point a valve repair was mentioned but now not necessary. I'll always have the heart failure label and see the GP nurse yearly and have yearly bloods. I told her that I felt like a fraud taking up her time a few weeks ago. Just because you have the label it doesn't mean that you have to wear it!

[AmandaLouise77 in reply to AmandaLouise77]

I'm now weaning of Bisoprolol and will stay on a tiny dose of Candersartan (2mg) and Edoxaban for life. My cardiologist and EP say that if AF returns I must have cardio version or another ablation urgently as my heart is very quick to remodel.

[Sharpglo]

I have been fearful to ask that question. Mine was 25% last one, Not moving far from bed. I’ve since had a biventricular pacemaker fitted with the hope it will bring the two lower valves into sinc. 2 weeks on I’m only out of bed for a shower….

[Shabana1974]

Mine EF started at 20% with medication my EF improved to 32% after 4 months. I think you found yourself a pessimistic Dr as I have been told with medication. I would be fine. There are thinking to fit a Defib. But said due to age battery will need changing several times I will be 50 in September and 1 battery lasts 6 to 10 years. So just to give you an idea. The drs saying several times means they think I have a normal life expectancy

[Ennasti]

I hope not. My brother and I have a genetic condition and his condition is much further progressed than mine. His EF is 22% and dropping. He has an ICD, had his mitral valve replaced and they’re struggling to control his arrhythmias. His pacemaker can’t seem to keep his VT under control. My mother made it to 65. My brother will be 60 next month.

[Deejay62]

Sorry to hear your EF has dropped to 25%. 6 yrs ago mine went to 10% with new meds it’s now 23%. I have a genetic condition so mine is progressive. I know what it will feel like if it drops having been through that. I still continue to do daily things although I find even having a shower exhausting.

I try not to think of how long I have left but to try and enjoy my life. There are so many other ways you can suddenly die.

At 23% I have enough energy to keep moving so that’s what I try to do.

I’m fortunate enough to have cardiologists who don’t place time limits on my life, and I’ve never asked that question, because to be honest I don’t want to know. But that’s just me.

All the best.

[HHH2017]

Hi, I think it depends on your heart condition that is contributing to your EF. Some conditions can be better treated by meds, lifestyle changes like diet & exercise others not so. You were brave to ask and Im sure will do everything you can, thats in your control, to improve your EF. Good luck and stay positive 👍🏽

[fishonabike]

I have never needed to ask this question and am sorry that you seem to have got such a brutal answer

however I feel it may help if you consider that this doctor probably expressed the situation rather badly if that is what they said - your personal life expectancy is not set in stone and any answer should have included information about what your chance of living more than 5 years is and what might affect that expectancy

the way that is phrased in your post implies that everyone admitted to hospital with an EF below 25% is dead within 5 years - that is not true as plenty of people do survive for years and years after being admitted with EF that low - it should be expressed as a percentage chance of surviving for 5 yrs (or more)

[Lwaxana]

My EF was 25 back in 2012 (I have dilated cardiomyopathy) and I'm still here! 🙂