Low LVEF

[Laylu78]

My dad just had some tests done and was told his LVEF was 35 to 36%. His vitals are remaining normal: Pulse 30, BP 120/80
He has experienced none of the normal signs or symptoms that accompany this.

Does this automatically mean heart failure or heart disease, or can this be normal for some people?

What should happen after this?

[kenkeith]

You're welcome, and my <30% refers to EF.  I realized there was a typo error. :)

[Laylu78]

The pulse was 80, sorry for the typo.

Sincere thanks for the reply.. :)

[kenkeith]

It is a little low to be normal. An EF below 50% is considered a weak heart and below 30% is considered to be in heart failure range. There are individuals that do quite well with a lower than normal EF. And with an EF in heart failure range can be asymptomatic, but generally the right side of the heart is pumping more blood to the lungs and then to the left ventricle can pump into circulation.  The blood from the lungs back up and fluids leak into the lung tissues causing congestion and heart failure with symptoms....usually shortness of breath, dry cough especially when lying down, possible chest pain and fatigue.

Is the pulse 30 accurate?  Usually with a low EF the sytem compromises with a faster heart rate. This happens because the low EF is not pumping a normal amount of blood with each heartbeat and the system compensates to overcome the low EF will pump more blood with a faster heart rate.

You dad's EF doesn't indicate heart failure, but the underlying cause for the low EF should be diagnosed. There may be effective treatment available.  I had congested heart failure (EF < 30%)  about 7 years ago and diagnosed with an enlarged heart caused by ischemia (blocked vessels).  With treatment my heart returned to normal size, and the EF is within the normal range.

Thanks for the question, and if you have any followup questions you are welcome to respond.  Your father can have many more good years with proper treatment just to keep the EF at the present value.  Take care.