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Low ejection fraction/Cardiomyopathy
Hi,
I'm a 27 year old male, with no prior history of health problems. A few months ago, I began feeling "under the weather", and wound up in the ER twice in 3 days. I went to a few specialists, had a brain MRI, which were negative. More recently I saw a cardiologist who ordered a stress test, holter, echo, and finally cardiac MRI. The stress test, holter, and EKG seemed fine. However, the echo showed a low ejection fraction, confirmed by the MRI. The fraction in 41%, but the report showed normal size of the heart and chambers, and no thickening of the walls. My cardiologist says this may have been caused by a virus, and put me on an ultra low dose of Coreg (3.125mg 2x/day). I am obviously very concerned about this because of my age. And was wondering if there are any other explanations? And will my heart return to normal strength possibly? Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
I'm a 27 year old male, with no prior history of health problems. A few months ago, I began feeling "under the weather", and wound up in the ER twice in 3 days. I went to a few specialists, had a brain MRI, which were negative. More recently I saw a cardiologist who ordered a stress test, holter, echo, and finally cardiac MRI. The stress test, holter, and EKG seemed fine. However, the echo showed a low ejection fraction, confirmed by the MRI. The fraction in 41%, but the report showed normal size of the heart and chambers, and no thickening of the walls. My cardiologist says this may have been caused by a virus, and put me on an ultra low dose of Coreg (3.125mg 2x/day). I am obviously very concerned about this because of my age. And was wondering if there are any other explanations? And will my heart return to normal strength possibly? Any advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
If the heart is not pumping effectively, there will be a reduction of blood oxygen, and that will exacerbate the COPD symptoms. You are correct, the EF percentage will provide some information for a prognosis and the appropriate treatment. Hope the numbers are good for you. Take care.
My first cardiologist stated I needed a heart transplant little more than 6 years ago, and today and since my heart event I have not had any days feeling ill and the heart is normal size and pumping effectively. It may be a mistake for your doctor to make that comment. Take care of the A-fib to reduce the probability of arrhythmia, and maintain a positive attitude and you masy do very well.
Hi, I am 60. Female. I had a heart attack and went into respitory failure on May 10th of this year. I will be seeing my Dr. Wednesday to find out my ejection fraction. Hoping for a good number. Hoping the heart attack didn't do any damage. I also have COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. I am now on oxygen 24/7. Wasn't on it before even with the COPD that I have had since 2000. Does anyone have any comments or opinions? Any would be suggested. Thanks , Pam
Thank you..They have me on a high dose of coreg 25mg 2x daily along with verapimil,lisinopril,lasix,and other meds for diabeties.I have good days and bad days..I also am dealing with A-fib..I have had A-fib before..And I am dealing with sleep apnea..I guess when it rains it pours..My doctors are mainly working on my longevity of life for now..Getting heart back in sinus rythmn with a cardio-version..The first episode with Afib in 2005 it took several attempts for it to take..They have told me there is no fixing what I have..short of a heart transplant..
It is estimated about 26% of the heart disorder populatioin do not know they have an EF below 29% (heart failure range). Sometimes a patients with a lower EF feel better than a patient within the normal range of 55 to 75%. Some individuals compensate well others don't.
If your system compensates well, that will reduce the demand for oxygenated blood and a low cardiac output will not stress the heart and produce symptoms. If your system, for instance high blood pressure, the heart will work harder and the result can be an increase in symptoms. Between these two extreme conditions there can be a variation with symptoms. If you are on medication, that can be a factor as well.
If your system compensates well, that will reduce the demand for oxygenated blood and a low cardiac output will not stress the heart and produce symptoms. If your system, for instance high blood pressure, the heart will work harder and the result can be an increase in symptoms. Between these two extreme conditions there can be a variation with symptoms. If you are on medication, that can be a factor as well.
Hi everyone I have just been recently diagnosed with A-fib and low ejection fraction 3 months ago. My ef is 25%. I am 49yrs. old. My heart cath came back normal about 10% blockage.Except for Low ejection fraction. I have the symptoms of short of breath which is often,also light headedness not all the time depends on what I'm doing,also I noticed low blood pressure,too. How can some people have symptoms and some people don't?
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