Going on 5 years I was hospitalized for an EF12% and congested heart failure. The only symptom I ever had was a dry couch would lying down (lung edema symptom...felt like i couldn't get enough air!, hyperventilate!) and some shortness of breath. My edema was classified as mild
An EF below 29% is considered heart failure range. Congestion of the lungs happens when the heart cannot pump out (weak contractions) the amount of blood rec'd from the lungs. As a consequence blood backs up into the lungs and fluids leak into pulmonary tissues. Lasix is a diuretic and helps reduce the fluid buildup.
If your wife's EF is 10%, she is suffering from heart failure. I went to ER for dry cougfh and SOB, thought it was due to lungs, I was immediately given an EKG, echo and chest x-rays. The x-ray showed an enlarged left ventricle. Angioplasy was the next exam and a stent was implanted in RCA, LAD was totally blocked (developed collateral vessels to by-pass) and the circumflex was 72% blocked and not stented. I was several days in ICU to remove fluids and stabilize my condition. I was told I had had a silent heart attack...I was shocked, no symptoms, just CHF.
Your wife should get immediate attention to the condition of the low EF, etc. as there is a high probability there could be permanent heart muscle damage without quick attention and treatment of the underlying cause. The heart cells are not receiving adequate blood/oxygen!
My name is Kim. I was diagnosed in January 1998 with Idiopathic dilated Cardiomyopathy and secondary CHF (congestive heart failure) At that time my ejection fraction was only 8%. Often times I am told 'oh-that couldn't be" or ..."it couldn't have been that low" but I still have the test results and doctors notes to show those doubting Thomas's that indeed it was 8%. At that time my prognosis was very poor. I learned later, that the doctors had told my husband that they honestly didn't know if I would make it through the week to return to see them the following week. At that time I was living in Alamosa, CO which is approx 3 1/2 hours from Denver - which is where I was receiving my cardiac care. I was placed on a heart transplant list and remained on it for 2 1/2 years- (status 2-not in the hospital; but waiting) My ejection fraction had climbed again to nearly 40% and last fall was going down again - In Dec 2007 I had an ICD implanted. This is an implantec cardiac defibrillater. It has 2 purposes it is a pace maker and also a defibrillater just in case my heart goes into a dangerous rythem and needs to be snapped back. - I want to wish you and your wife the very best - and to remind you that through prayer; ALL things are possible
How old are you. My gma has 15% EF, Atrial fib and CHF but she is 78. I am trying to see her chances. Of course God only knows..
I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2003 and my EF was 25%, meds helped tremendously, however, recently (August 2012) Ibecame more tired doing simple tasks, vacuuming, taking a shower, climbing stairs, walking small inclines. I had lost 40 lbs so I was baffled. Had another echo and my EF had dropped to 15% I was referred to a heart transplant center after consultation tests were set up. a month later I had a right heart catherization, it showed Michael Jackson directions at less than 10%, I was immediately admitted to the hospital and a catheter was placed in my neck and threaded to my heart, Swan. I have IV meds acting as a pump for my heart, dobutamine and milrinone, I have been placed on the heart transplant list as a 1A, today is day 45 of being in the hospital ICU waiting for a new heart. did I mention I'm a 45 year old divorced female with two school age children at home so this is extremely hard. Especially on my children. I know my heart is coming soon and I have faith and a top transplant surgeon Dr. John Hammond! I an in good hands and Gods hands.
Hi everyone.I was going through the blog.I need some advice as well.My dad is 60 year old and having cardiac myopathy (left ventricle hypertrophy) He is having pacemaker from the past 8 year and now he is hospitalized sue to his shortness of breath. His echo is done and showed Left ventricle hypokinesis and Ejection fraction is just 20%.Doctors are recommending heart transplant but i am just wondering if there are any other options rather than transplant.Any comment and advice would be of great help.....
Very encouraging story to hear - my fraction is at 12%, age 55, with the new friend (ICD), GOD is Awesome
My ef was 20 in 2011. I haven’t been checked since. I changed my lifestyle and take all my meds regularly. I’m able to do more physical activity and for longer periods of time. I was 39 then. I’m 46 now and see a cardiologist tomorrow. I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out. I was given 2 years to live 7years ago. All you can really do is take your meds and adjust your lifestyle to the Drs advice. TAKE YOUR MEDS!
I cant tell you what to do but thats super low!!!