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What Does This Echo Test Result Indicate?
I am a 71 yr. old male. I had a 95% blockage in the main LAD artery I Aug. of 2003. I have not had any problems since then, but continue with my cardiologist with checkups every 6 mo. All my blood work is good and I had an echocardiogram 2 weeks ago. The results of my eco is ejection fraction is 35-40 which is the same as it has been. Is that low for my age? Can I do anything to raise it other than exercise which I do? What can an ejection fraction like that cause?
Mon, 20 Jul 2015
Hello,
Thanks for Writing to Health Care Magic and putting trust in us regarding your Health related query.
I am Dr. Saleha and I have read your message in detail, I understand your concern and will try to help you in this.
It's good to know that you are doing fine and are regular follow up with your cardiologist.
Now coming towards your Ejection fraction.
A normal person's heart has an ejection fraction of 60-65% you have 35-45% it means that your heart is working at about 70-80% of a normal heart.
With this ejection fraction, there are going to be two changes in your life:
A) You will need to take meds throughout life.
B) Your activity will be limited to 70% of a normal person because your heart is working at 70%
Now what does this needs you to change in life?
A) Do not exert more than you can bear. Don't lift heavy loads, don't run or jog, protect yourself from fear mental stress.
B) Take care of your heart and meds.
C) Strict control of diet specially lipids and salt.
There is no real way or exercise to improve it but 70% of normal is not bad you can exercise within your limits and stay active within your limits and lead a normal life.
Main goal here is not keep the heart at static condition and don't let it deteriorate, with time you will know your limits, just don't over work your heart and things will be fine.
It is very less likely for this ejection fraction to cause and heart failure but if you exceed the limit of exertion then the problem can arise otherwise if you are easy on yourself and lead a normal life then there should be no problems and there is no need to be anxious or worried about any thing.
I hope this answers your question.If you have more questions, I am happy to answer.
Wish you lasting health.
Regards.
Dr.Saleha Saeed.
Thanks for Writing to Health Care Magic and putting trust in us regarding your Health related query.
I am Dr. Saleha and I have read your message in detail, I understand your concern and will try to help you in this.
It's good to know that you are doing fine and are regular follow up with your cardiologist.
Now coming towards your Ejection fraction.
A normal person's heart has an ejection fraction of 60-65% you have 35-45% it means that your heart is working at about 70-80% of a normal heart.
With this ejection fraction, there are going to be two changes in your life:
A) You will need to take meds throughout life.
B) Your activity will be limited to 70% of a normal person because your heart is working at 70%
Now what does this needs you to change in life?
A) Do not exert more than you can bear. Don't lift heavy loads, don't run or jog, protect yourself from fear mental stress.
B) Take care of your heart and meds.
C) Strict control of diet specially lipids and salt.
There is no real way or exercise to improve it but 70% of normal is not bad you can exercise within your limits and stay active within your limits and lead a normal life.
Main goal here is not keep the heart at static condition and don't let it deteriorate, with time you will know your limits, just don't over work your heart and things will be fine.
It is very less likely for this ejection fraction to cause and heart failure but if you exceed the limit of exertion then the problem can arise otherwise if you are easy on yourself and lead a normal life then there should be no problems and there is no need to be anxious or worried about any thing.
I hope this answers your question.If you have more questions, I am happy to answer.
Wish you lasting health.
Regards.
Dr.Saleha Saeed.
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