Ejection fraction after surgery

Hi,

I am posting for my dad. He is 60 years old. Had a pacemaker surgery 6 motnhs back. His Ejection Fraction was dropped to 10-15%, thats why doctor suggested to get a pacemaker installed. Now after having pacemaker for 6 months, when his Ejection Fraction was tested again, its just 25%. Is it ok number? Doctor said its fine. But I somehow has my doubts. I think EF of 25% is very less after the surgery. What were your EF after surgery? Please enlighten me what can I do?

Thanks

Edited on 01/01/2017

I would like to provide few more details here. I would really appreciate your help in deciding whether what our cardiologist is doing is right.

My Dad's pacemaker surgery was done in March 2016. Cardiologist said surgery will take 45 mins, but actual surgery took 6 hours! He said he had complications while placing third lead. He called other cardiologists during surgery and they were able to place the third lead, according to him. However during our recent visit to him (12/23/2016) he mentioned "third lead had some issues, there is no point in reoperating the patient". I was shocked by his statement and missed asking what problem is there exactly. I am going to ask him in next visit.

My questions is what is the use of third lead? What functionality my dad is missing by not having third lead? What all questions should I ask to cardiologist to get correct information about what is working and what is not working, and my dad's condition.

I am just worried about my dad's health, after spending soo much money, time, efforts and lot of mental stress. I would really appriciate your help.

Thanks,

 

 

2 Comments

EF

by swatithorve - 2016-09-27 06:41:42

Thank you very much for your reply!!

he is doing fine after surgery, he gets little tired after long walk thats it. But before surgery also he did not have any symptoms, he was a port worker - lifting heavy load, running was part of his day to day job, except tiredness, high bp he did not have any other symptoms. After surgery, he is retired. So the point is before and after surgery he does not feel much difference. I would appriciate if you can guide further on this. Thank you ver much!

You don't say

by Cabg Patch - 2016-09-29 17:29:16

You don't give any real details about his device and the settings. Most people with a low EF (typically below 35%) get a defibrillator but are not paced full time. The defibrillator is because they are at increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, however remember most patients never get a shock so it's just for safety backup.

It's likely he had demand pacing and paces around 5-10% of the time when his heart drops below a set point, usually 50bpm.

50% - 75% is normal EF - heart is fine

35% - 49% is moderate low heart function -

below 35% is very low function

 

If he is paced at a higher rate, it still could take time for him to see improvement although 15 - 25 is pretty good improvement. many athletes resting EF is 25% and they have no ill effects. What is really important is how he feels, and it sounds like no problems so I'd say stop worrying

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