Change in Ejection Fraction

[beth0277]

Hi.

I recently gave birth 3 weeks ago and due to some symptoms (which has since stopped) my OB was worried I may have perinatal cardiomyopathy. I had an echo which was normal and showed my EF as 50-55. I was still worried so I got another echo this week (Almost 2 weeks later) which showed as normal and my EF is now 60-65. Is a jump that much normal? Could it be because my heart was working harder immediately after the pregnancy? Also, I had pre-eclampsia and the night before/day of my first echo, my blood pressure was through the roof. Could that have slightly lowered my EF? I have also been experiencing severe anxiety the last few weeks with panic attacks. Could this have an effect on my EF?

[kenkeith]

The EF (ejection fraction) is the amount of blood pumped into circulation with each heartbeat.  It is an estimate, and within the margin of error would probably reduce the difference .  Regardless your EF is within the normal range (50-70).

There are EF variations regularily to help maintain a balance of blood flow between the right and left side.  Also, the heart rate, blood pressure change to help as well.

The way the EF is increased happens when the left ventricle slightly dilates.  As an anology if a handspring is stretched it snaps back with more energy and forcefulness.  It is the Frank/Starling law of physics.  Loss of weight reduces the heart's workload and there can be favorable results with an increase in the EF.

[beth0277]

I should also add that I have lost 30 pounds between the first and second echo's.