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Suggest Treatment For Low Ejection Fraction
Question: My husband has severe coronary ectasia and had heart due to aneurism in 2010. His recent stress test
with medication shows left ventricular ejection fraction 34%. Echo about a year ago showed the rate was
50%. Is it likely rate has changed so drastically, or could it be difference in tests? He does not have any
symptoms of such a great change.
correction--had heart attack in 2010 due to aneurism in left ventricular artery.
Thanks!
XXXXXXX
with medication shows left ventricular ejection fraction 34%. Echo about a year ago showed the rate was
50%. Is it likely rate has changed so drastically, or could it be difference in tests? He does not have any
symptoms of such a great change.
correction--had heart attack in 2010 due to aneurism in left ventricular artery.
Thanks!
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
One year is a long time, it is possible ma'am
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and shall try my best to help you as much as possible ma'am. A drop in ejection fraction from 50-34 % is quite possible over a duration of one year.
But this indicates congestive heart failure which is not responding well to medications. I would either way recommend an echocardiogram and a repeat 2D echo to be conducted from another diagnostic center if this is possible ma'am. We can then compare the results. But in my opinion, the echocardiogram should also provide valuable information showing us any signs of deterioration (if any).
Please do go ahead with the echocardiogram with your husband's current doctor, but the 2D echo from another diagnostic center.
I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. Of course a drop in ejection fraction is not good news, if at all this is the case, please ask your husband's doctor to review his treatment chart. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
One year is a long time, it is possible ma'am
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and shall try my best to help you as much as possible ma'am. A drop in ejection fraction from 50-34 % is quite possible over a duration of one year.
But this indicates congestive heart failure which is not responding well to medications. I would either way recommend an echocardiogram and a repeat 2D echo to be conducted from another diagnostic center if this is possible ma'am. We can then compare the results. But in my opinion, the echocardiogram should also provide valuable information showing us any signs of deterioration (if any).
Please do go ahead with the echocardiogram with your husband's current doctor, but the 2D echo from another diagnostic center.
I hope you find my response helpful ma'am. Of course a drop in ejection fraction is not good news, if at all this is the case, please ask your husband's doctor to review his treatment chart. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Dr. XXXXXXX
Your answer is on point and very helpful. Thank you!
My husband had been exercising in the gym 3 times per week until about a year ago and now only averages about once a week. Could this drop in ejection fraction be due to this?
Also, he works 20 or 30 hours per wk as a floater pharmacist and likes his job, except his hours and schedule change each week and works late some nights. Could the sporadic schedule be a factor?
One of his doctors told him this week he should be exercising 4 or 5 times per week.
Thank you
Your answer is on point and very helpful. Thank you!
My husband had been exercising in the gym 3 times per week until about a year ago and now only averages about once a week. Could this drop in ejection fraction be due to this?
Also, he works 20 or 30 hours per wk as a floater pharmacist and likes his job, except his hours and schedule change each week and works late some nights. Could the sporadic schedule be a factor?
One of his doctors told him this week he should be exercising 4 or 5 times per week.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Increase exercise;find regular fixed working hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Well, exercise, diwt, lifestyle, etc; are all major contributing factors.
So yes, the drop in exercise will affect his health, but make sure he does not ocer work himself while exercising as well. We need to do everything in moderation, nothing in its extremes is good.
As for the time and change in schedule of working hours is concerned, this is surely an unhealthy factor ma'am. A change in schedule and work hours puts extra stress on the entire body, including the heart. I understand sir likes hos job, but regular working hours and fixed schedules would be preferred ma'am.
Also make sure he eats healthy, does not put on weight, leads an active and stress free lifestyle. I am sure you understand what a drop in ejection fraction indicates, and we need to work harder to avoid its consequences.
Wishing you and sir all the best. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always available to help.
My prayers are with the both of you,
God bless.
Increase exercise;find regular fixed working hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.
Well, exercise, diwt, lifestyle, etc; are all major contributing factors.
So yes, the drop in exercise will affect his health, but make sure he does not ocer work himself while exercising as well. We need to do everything in moderation, nothing in its extremes is good.
As for the time and change in schedule of working hours is concerned, this is surely an unhealthy factor ma'am. A change in schedule and work hours puts extra stress on the entire body, including the heart. I understand sir likes hos job, but regular working hours and fixed schedules would be preferred ma'am.
Also make sure he eats healthy, does not put on weight, leads an active and stress free lifestyle. I am sure you understand what a drop in ejection fraction indicates, and we need to work harder to avoid its consequences.
Wishing you and sir all the best. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always available to help.
My prayers are with the both of you,
God bless.
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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