Lack of improved ejection fraction.

I've had a biventricular pacemaker for 8 months. I recently had an echo and was disappointed to find that my ejection fraction has remained at 30%. That is what it was before the pacemaker placement.

My cardiologist was not able to tell me why I have had no improvement. I am able to walk a longer distance however, I have chest pain if I try to increase my exercise tolerance. I seem to have reached a plateau. I try to push past my limitations but have chest pain if I do.

Has anyone had an improvement in EF and functioning after 8 months? I have read that if it does not happen in about 6 months, it will not ever happen.

I hope someone can answer. Id like to know what to expect. Thank you.

9 Comments

Don't give up!

by Grateful Heart - 2013-11-28 02:11:34

What did your Doctor say about the chest pain? You shouldn't be having chest pain.

My EF was 24%. It went to 30% with meds after 6 months but I still needed the ICD. After the implant, it took more than 6 months I believe but my EF increased to 50% (50-70 is normal). BUT, just this past year it increased again to 55% so it can increase after 6 months. I will have my ICD 5 years next month.

It depends why you needed it. I had an enlarged heart which improved and is no longer enlarged. I didn't know that was possible.

The Bi-V pacemaker is synchronizing your ventricles so that your LV can pump blood from your heart to the rest of your body more efficiently without working so hard as before.

I don't know what your lifestyle is, but I lost some weight (75 lbs. but gained some now so still working on that...constant battle), I take my meds and exercise 3-4 times a week. I think that has all helped for me.

So never say never, but go by how you feel, not the EF number.

Do get an answer regarding the chest pain, that would be my main concern right now.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Grateful Heart

EF

by Maria - 2013-11-28 03:11:53

Thank you so much for the responses. I have obstructive cardiomyopathy. I had surgery July, 2012 and my heart dilated. My ejection fraction went from 70% to 30%.

I walk 1-2 miles a day. Sometimes I have chest pain when I walk too much. I am seeing my doc in two weeks. He does not seem worried.

Your weight loss sounds wonderful. I think that may be The reason for your increased EF. I need to lose ABOUT 20 pounds. You have given me incentive to do that it may help me too.

How did you lose weight? I lost about 10 pounds in the last 6 months. I when on a veg diet. I cheat sometimes but in general I am sticking to it. Could you try that? It does not have to be every day but as much as you can.
Happy Thanksgiving

EF

by Maria - 2013-11-28 04:11:06

Dear Fishfighter. I am so sorry to hear that you are not improving. Are you able to exercise at all? Are you in cardiac rehab? I find that when I control my salt Intake I feel better. It took time to get used to the taste but it gets better slowly. I will pray for you.

have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

EF

by fishfighter - 2013-11-28 06:11:33

A lot depends on as to why your EF is low to start with. I been having a CRT-D for 2 1/2 years all due to a viro infection in my heart. My EF did increase at first from 20 to 25. After 6 months, it dropped down below 20. Now that I am on Dabutamine iv drip, I am below 15. Off the dabutamine, my EF is below 10%.

So, to answer your question. 30 is not all that bad. Normal is around 50.

Maria

by fishfighter - 2013-11-29 05:11:19

I am now on a heart transplant list. There is no fixing my problem. As hard headed as I am, I do whatever, when ever I can. Exercise? Not going to happen other then a small walk every day when I feel good enough. No salts for me. I fight fluid weight problems every day. I am limited to 1500 cc of fluid a day which is about 6 eight oz's of fluid. I'm 6' tall with an avg body weight of 165. I can swing as much as 9 lbs overnight. I take a lot of fluid pills a few times a day.

Before I got sick, my weight was 185. I feel a lot better at my 165 now.

Thanks for the prays and God bless you,
Paul

Maria

by Grateful Heart - 2013-12-01 02:12:15

Sorry for the delayed response. It's been a busy Family weekend. :)

A 10 lb. loss in 6 months sounds great. It took me about 4 years to lose all of mine. The past year has been more maintaining for me and rehabbing from a hip replacement 8 months ago. I think I need to drop my calorie intake even further now.

I read all labels and stay away from sodium and processed foods. It's a little time consuming in the beginning but after awhile, you know which foods to stay away from. I was told to have no more than 2,000mg. of sodium per day but I have less than 500mg. per day...usually even less. That works for ME....I know that is not advisable for everyone, but it's where I feel my best and my sodium levels from lab work always come back within a safe range.

I find if I eat out, even though choosing wisely, most foods have sodium. My body is so sensitive to it now, I can gain 3-4 lbs. easily and then it takes 2-3 days to take it back off, so I know it is extra fluid and not fat at that point.

I do have lots of salad, fresh or frozen veggies and fruits. Only eat meat 2-3 times a week now, turkey or chicken and once in a while, very lean red meat. I drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

I have modified recipes to use lower fat, carbs and salt by replacing it with some great spices as well. You can make it fun and get creative.

My family has reaped the benefits too. My husband has lost about 55 lbs. just from the food changes I have made and most of my sons eat healthier now too.

It's been a slow process for me but it's better than gaining more weight, as you know.

Paul: You are still in my Prayers.

Grateful Heart

Diet

by Maria - 2013-12-01 03:12:58

Thank you for sharing your weight loss regimen. I was 186 lbs before surgery and was 176 afterwards. I am now 166. I need to lose about 15 more pounds to reach my usual weigh of 145 - 150.
Sounds like a lot but it seems to be the set point my body likes best. I was that weight in my 20s and I did not look fat.
Like you, I also cut down on meat. I'd like to cut it out completely but when I eat out, grilled fish or chicken seems to be the only low salt alternatives.
I just recently took the low salt recommendation seriously. The experience is new. I thought I would never get used to it. Spices and lemon juice help a lot.
It is amazing how much salt there is in prepared foods. I can taste it now that I have lowered my salt intake.
I am finding that my B/P drops very low sometimes and I feel very thirsty. I never happened before Have you had that experience when your salt intake is low?
Again, thanks for the time you have taken to answer.

Low salt intake

by Grateful Heart - 2013-12-01 04:12:34

I drink a lot of water daily (I always did) but I find I get very thirsty the day after eating out somewhere so I think it is the extra salt that triggers thirst for me.

I just bought a book by Carol Alt about healthy eating. She advocates eating raw foods. I thought I might pick up something new from her....I'll let you know if I do.

You are much closer to your goal weight than I.....good for you.

Grateful Heart

To Paul

by Maria - 2013-12-01 12:12:16

I am a dentist and I have had many patients over my 32 yrs of practice with kidney and heart transplants. When I meet them and have not had a chance to go through their medical history, I can't believe that they were ever ill. Transplants are gifts to rebirth.
Now you have to get the right match. I pray that someone who God has called home will give you the gift of rebirth.

You know you're wired when...

You need to be re-booted each morning.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.