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Is Reduction In Ejection Fraction After A Stroke A Cause For Concern?
Question: My 91 year old father's ejection fraction was 40% six months ago. He had a stroke 4 days ago and when it is now 25-30%. It seems like a marked decline, but his doctor says "I wouldn't be too concerned - especially just after a stroke." What do you say?
Brief Answer:
Decreased cardiac output due to recent stress from stroke
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear about your father and his recent stroke. I hope the stroke did not leave him with neurological deficits. You are concerned though about your father's ejection fraction dropping from 40% to 25-30%. This reduction is not unusual after having a major illness like the stroke. The other issue is that the change is not significantly different. An ejection fraction of 25-30% is not much different from 40%. Now you say but the numbers are significantly different but in terms of cardiac output there is very little difference. He should be able to adapt to this and his output should improve with more time. The stroke puts extra pressure on the blood vessels of the body and also the heart. This is what is reflected in his decreased EF.
The most important aspect right now is to reduce the damage from the stroke. He will need plenty of time to rehabilitate after the stroke. He will need good control of his blood pressure and the rest of his health.
In summary
1. Major concern is the stroke
2. Control Blood pressure and general health
3. EF is stable overall and will return after stress from stroke resolved
I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me again.
Decreased cardiac output due to recent stress from stroke
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns
I am sorry to hear about your father and his recent stroke. I hope the stroke did not leave him with neurological deficits. You are concerned though about your father's ejection fraction dropping from 40% to 25-30%. This reduction is not unusual after having a major illness like the stroke. The other issue is that the change is not significantly different. An ejection fraction of 25-30% is not much different from 40%. Now you say but the numbers are significantly different but in terms of cardiac output there is very little difference. He should be able to adapt to this and his output should improve with more time. The stroke puts extra pressure on the blood vessels of the body and also the heart. This is what is reflected in his decreased EF.
The most important aspect right now is to reduce the damage from the stroke. He will need plenty of time to rehabilitate after the stroke. He will need good control of his blood pressure and the rest of his health.
In summary
1. Major concern is the stroke
2. Control Blood pressure and general health
3. EF is stable overall and will return after stress from stroke resolved
I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me again.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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