What does 25% pumping rate mean? - Heart Disorders Message Board

Queendiva · 01-14-2008, 02:35 PM

I was recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure with a 25% pumping rate. I was told that I had to rest, couldn't lift anything, no or low salt, very little water. The RN delivering the information made it sound like a death sentence. I am scheduled to see my regular doctor who will send me to a cardiologist. Does this mean that there is nothing or very little that can be done for me? Am I facing an end of life situation? I know that God has the last say but I would like as much info as possible.

danimal15 · 01-14-2008, 03:58 PM

First - I'm no expert, but I believe the RN was referring to your ejection fraction - or the fraction of blood pumped out of your ventricle with each heart beat.

A normal EF should be well above 50%. A 25% reading is very low and means your heart is not working properly.

Is it a death sentence? I don't know. There are ways to improve your EF, which I'm sure you're discussing with your doctor. It certainly isn't good news at all, though I have heard of EFs far worse than yours.

jrmom1 · 01-16-2008, 11:41 AM

I agree with the previous poster.

But I would like to edit to state that an RN should not be the one to give you that news.

Queendiva · 01-21-2008, 10:16 PM

I think she was a nurse practicioner, but except for one occasion she was the one that came to talk with me and explain the various tests during my week long stay in the hospital.