Ejection fraction

Excellent results with CRT and medication and lifestyle changes

by Gemita - 2023-07-07 12:58:02

Happygirl, excellent news, I am so happy for you.  It is true medication alone can make a real difference.  My sister’s Ejection Fraction (EF) has improved from 16% to 49% and we are all delighted and relieved too.

Your Bio is empty, but I have just re-read your post and see that you have a new pacemaker (ICD/CRT) device and this has obviously helped too.  Yes EF can continue to improve, although you haven’t got too much more to improve since 50-54% is normal anyway.  

If the condition which caused your fall in EF has improved or been eliminated, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t get back to where you were.  I would continue with lifestyle, diet, exercise improvements but never push yourself beyond your comfort zone.  You are obviously on a cocktail of meds and they will be slowing you down in any event.  It could be as you continue to heal and improve your doctors might be able to reduce some of your meds without adversely affecting your EF.   The days you are too tired to exercise, I would just go for some brisk or gentle walks.

A wholesome diet with plenty of fruit, vegs, pulses, fish, including salmon and lean white meat, nuts, low fat dairy, avoiding refined carbs, will most definitely help.  But you sound as though you don't need our help.  You are doing so well already.  Hope it continues

EF

by AgentX86 - 2023-07-07 19:01:09

Great news.  Don't even think about your EF anymore.  Anything above 50% is normal.  60-65% was likely not real. Above 70% and things get dicey again.  EF "measurements" aren't precise at all. It done by a human intrepting the echo and a 5-10% variation could be just an interpretation error.

EF issues

by Good Dog - 2023-07-08 14:10:27

You asked if anoyone has EF issues. That is a big YES from me. My previous cardiologist did not order an echo for me in about 20 years (a couple years ago). So when I finally got one after about 34 years with a PM my EF was 40. My previous EF had been 55. So now it is anywhere from 39 to 44 in the two previous echos. I have what is commonly known as pacemaker syndrome (HF) after all these years of being paced with my ventricles out-of-sync. My LV is slightly mishaped, but fortunately I am asymptomatic. I feel pretty good for being in my mid 70's. However, I need a CRT and a third wire added. Unfortunately that means I need one or more leads extracted. Since my battery life is less than one year now, that will likely take place this fall or winter. I am very nervous about getting that done. It is much more risky with these old leads. Additionally, they discovered that I have an aortic aneuryism. Fortunately it is a mild one. So I am not going to worry about that now. Maybe someday if I live long enough.

Anyway, you should be in great shape now with that third lead. I am surprised that you even need medication. Often times, simply putting your ventricles in sync solves your HF and restores your EF. Are there plans to cut-back or eliminate your meds? Also, I am wondering if you needed any leads extracted/replaced back when thay added that third lead?

Sincerely,

Dave

Pacemaker leads@Dave

by Happygirl8 - 2023-07-08 23:52:47

Dave,

In April, I had a 5 hour operation to extract my old pacemaker and leads. The old pacemaker had only 2 leads! Now I have a ICD/defubulator with 3  new leads. I see my cardiologist next week and will ask about medication! I don't think I'll be off medication but he may reduce it at some time in future if my EF continues to improve.