What is Low Heart Ejection Fraction?A low ejection fraction (or low EF) is typically 45 or less and can be evidence of heart failure or cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle). The heart’s ejection fraction (EF) refers to the amount – or percentage – of blood pumped (or ejected) out of the heart’s left ventricle with each contraction. The EF is an important measurement that physicians use to determine how well your heart is pumping out blood and to diagnose or track heart failure. Show
A normal range for heart ejection fraction may be between 50 and 70. Baptist Health is known for advanced, superior care for patients with heart problems and the diagnosis, treatment and management of a low ejection fraction. You will appreciate timely appointments and a professional, friendly atmosphere where we take time to listen to your concerns. At Baptist Health, you have access to the region’s most comprehensive, multidisciplinary team of specialists and innovative therapies, including many available only through specialized clinical trials. In every way, we work to demonstrate the utmost in excellent care to those who trust us with their health. What Happens if Your Ejection Fraction is Low?If your ejection fraction is low, below 50%, your heart is no longer efficiently pumping blood to meet your body's needs. Signs and SymptomsMore than one of the following low EF symptoms, particularly if a known heart condition is present, should prompt a physician’s visit:
DiagnosisIf you have a heart condition, measuring your ejection fraction can help you and your physician monitor its severity, determine your best course of treatment and check how well a treatment is working. Diagnostic tests for low EF include:
Causes
Risk FactorsRisk factors that could contribute to low ejection fraction include:
PreventionWhile most cases of low EF cannot be directly prevented, there are ways to reduce your chances of developing a heart condition that leads to it. Follow these prevention tips to help lower your risk of developing low EF:
PrognosisLow ejection fraction can be effectively treated when the heart condition causing it is treated. Low Ejection Fraction TreatmentIf you have a low ejection fraction, your physician may recommend the following treatment options to help improve low EF: Biventricular PacemakerThis special implanted pacemaker can help the lower chambers of the heart muscle pump together and improve cardiac function, leading to an increased heart EF. Healthy Lifestyle ChangesGetting the appropriate amount and intensity of exercise, losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing salt or excess fluids, and eating a healthier diet are some of the recommendations for improving low EF. Heart TransplantThough rare, when medications, lifestyle changes or devices can’t help people with dangerously low ejection fractions and severe heart problems, a heart transplant might be an option. This is a serious surgery for treating low EF with numerous risks and a long recovery period. Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)This device, implanted in the chest, sends small electrical pulses to the heart to reestablish a healthy rhythm and manage low EF. MedicationsMedications such as beta blockers or diuretics may help improve your heart function and control your low ejection fraction symptoms. Talk to your physician if you want to learn more about how to improve low ejection fraction. ComplicationsA low EF number is a serious issue, putting you at a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. How long does it take for EF to improve after bypass surgery?One bypass grafting we implanted in 2,5% patients, two bypasses in 42,5%, three bypasses in 45 5%, and four bypasses in 10% of patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessed preoperativly was 18%-27% and postoperatively was improved to 31, 08% in period of 30 days.
What foods improve ejection fraction?In summary, this study finds associations of end-diastolic volume, stroke volume, and ejection fraction with greater consistency with the DASH diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy products while reducing consumption of red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages ...
Can heart ejection fraction be improved?Luckily, lifestyle changes and heart failure medicines can help improve your ejection fraction and even reduce symptoms. Your ejection fraction is the percentage of blood that gets squeezed out of the ventricle with each beat. A healthy ejection fraction is around 50 to 70 percent.
Does ejection fraction decrease after bypass surgery?Results: While the mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) did not change following CABG [(49±13)% vs. (49±12)%, P=0.51], LVEF decreased in the subgroup with normal (≥50%) pre-operative LVEF [from (59±5)% to (56±9)%, P<0.001] and improved in those with decreased (<50%) pre-operative LVEF [from (36±9)% to (41±12)%, P<0.001].
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