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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can One Survive On A Partially Functioning Heart?

Hi My son is 55yrs old and I was told yesterday that only 30% of his heart is working. On Oct. 27th He had an aorta rupture repair which ended in a heart attack and small strokes during surgery. His circulation which resulted in gangerene in his feet and he had to have his legs amputated just below the knee on Dec. 9th.
He has been on a breathing machine since the lst surgery. They want me to take him off support and let nature take it course. Can he survive on 30% of his heart?
Fri, 22 May 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
It is very difficult to guide you for deciding discontinuation of ventilator just because his heart functions 30%.I presume that you mean LVEF is 30%.one can not take decision of stopping ventilator on basis of this data.you must consider all other factors viz.quality of life,condition of other organ,status of brain function and likley hood of recovery of condition etc.so please take appropriate decision considering all these factors.
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Can One Survive On A Partially Functioning Heart?

It is very difficult to guide you for deciding discontinuation of ventilator just because his heart functions 30%.I presume that you mean LVEF is 30%.one can not take decision of stopping ventilator on basis of this data.you must consider all other factors viz.quality of life,condition of other organ,status of brain function and likley hood of recovery of condition etc.so please take appropriate decision considering all these factors.