can ejection fraction(LVEF)be improved? - Heart Disorders Message Board

sujkap · 01-16-2007, 01:16 AM

My mother, 68 years just suffered an episode of heart failure. Her LVEF has fallen from 34% to 30% during this episode. Are there any ways/surgery to improve the heart's pumping power.
She has undergone angioplasty and has 2 medicated stents for her blockages which are working fine. She suffered a heart attack 9 years ago but leads an active life.
Thanks for any inputs,

started04 · 01-16-2007, 10:21 AM

Hi sujkap,

I was dx with heart failure 3 years ago, and my EF was below 29%.

How well one can improve depends on the underlying problem. With a heart attack (MI), there almost always is heart muscle damage, and depending on the extent and location, and how quickly the treatment, would be the factors for the degree of recovery.

There is medication to increase contractions. Usually there is an enlarged left ventricle as a factor in heart failure. I was not prescribed for stronger contraction medication until my heart size returned to normal with other medication.

wlassalle · 01-16-2007, 12:31 PM

Hi Ken im new here. Were you diagnosed with HF or cardiomyopathy?
Did they have any idea what caused it? and are you back to "normal" now?
Sorry for the barrage of questions I havent mustered enough courage to post but have been trolling for a few weeks since my initial diagnosis of cardiomyopathy...
Will

started04 · 01-16-2007, 06:40 PM

Hi wlassalle,

About 3 years ago I was admitted as an emergency patient with pulmonary edema (I inhaled much dust while working on a home project and that may have triggered the edema!?). Tests indicated I had had a heart attack sometime prior without my knowledge (no symptoms until congestion). I had/have a completely blocked LAD and the RCA artery was stented.

The left ventricle was enlarged (dilated cardiomyopathy), and there was severe mitral valve regurgitation.

Apparently, the cause for the LV enlargement was due (the inhalation of dust aside) to the heart compensating to help overcome the high resistance of vessels, the lower than normal cardiac output due to the regurgitation, and some heart wall impairment at the distal end of the heart.

Medication has lowered the heart workload by dilating vessels, reducing heart rate, reducing body fluids, and increase heart contractions. With time the recent echo shows my heart to be normal in size, pumping efficiency is normal, and my mitral valve regurgitation is moderate. The wall motion impairment does not appear to be an issue.

I am fortunate as I tolerate medication well, and there isn't any noticable side effects. Exercise, eat properly, etc. also is a factor.

wlassalle · 01-17-2007, 08:46 AM

Thats awesome KenKeith,
what type of medicine did they have you on and what kind of diet/exercise do you reccomend?
Thanks!
Will