what is a normal ejection fraction/LVH

[tickertock]

Thanks for taking my question. I am a bit confused as to what most cardiologist consider a normal ejection fraction, I have seen conflicting numbers though the difference being very small.

I have seen 50-70% as normal , then 55-75% as normal. What numbers or % do CCF use? Would you consider an EF of 50% and over normal?

  The reason I ask my last echo 2 months ago on the printout it showed an Ef of 53%, yet in the doctors office he said my EF was actually 55-60%, when I received a copy of the echo report it said 53%, I called and asked him about the difference in the printout and what he told me, he said my Ef was what he told me 55-60% and the number on the printout was of no significance, that I had no signs of cardiomyopathy. Even if my Ef 53% , would you still consider that normal? From what i gather most centers and cardiologist consider 50% and above normal, though I seen guidelines with the low being 55%, this is confusing,I just some clarification.

My EF 5 years was 65-70%, I understand it can vary, he told me that time I was more nervous and that my heart was a bit hyperkinetic then, Would you agree that increased anxiety with your heart punding harder , even if no that much faster can increase your EF?

I was told 5 years ago I had borderline hypertrophy at 12mm interventricular septum, now the printout shows 14mm, he told me my hypertrophy was mild, this was the only thing that was out of range on my echo, all other measurements was normal. I do push ups regularly to keep my back straight because of a CTD I have, Would this cause mild LVH? Thanx

[cowwie]

Recently a friend had an echo done, showing 90% ejection fraction.  Her blood pressure was steadily dropping.  2 hours later, she coded and died.  Does anyone know what a 90% ejection fraction indicates?  Can it indicate shock?

[tickertock]

Hi Chris,

    I am so glad things worked out well for you at CCF and that your second bypass went well. Best wishes on a continued speedy recovery.

[long]

Does anyone know how much aerobic exercise increases EF%?

[chrisr]

Hello to tickertock, Lacy mary and others. This is to let you all know that I did have my 2nd high risk CABG at CCF as you all had advised. Besides replacing my damaged LIMA with the RIMA I had 4 other bypasses and all went very well. I sincerely want to thank you all and the exceptional team of cardios and surgeons at CCF. They are truly a miraculous group of professionals and may God's blessings continue to go with them. ChrisR.

[tickertock]

You are absolutely correct regarding the measurement of interventricular septum. Most athletes and persons that weight lift have slightly thickened LV wall, especially of interventricular septum and I have been told the same thing regarding the thickness, once below 15mm, nothing to worry about.

[tickertock]

High endurance athletes have very high Ejection fractions at peak exercise, sometimes nearly 90%, but slightly lower EFs than non athletes at rest, at least this my understanding from the literature I read sometime ago. If I can find a site on it I'll post it. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy(HCM)very thickened left ventricular walls ususally due to a genetic or familial predisposition is associated with a very high ejection fraction at rest, usually walls of 20mm(2cm) or more.

Do a google search, simply type in athletes and ejection fraction in the search bar and click search, this might provide some info.

P.S. I'm very glad that you got your aneursym repaired and all is well. Keep up the good work. Best wishes and more power to you.