Asked by Lynn P Can An Ejection Fraction Of 25% Be Improved? My husband and I recently found out that he is a diabetic and has heart failure. He has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and has only 25% ejection fraction. He won't be able to see a cardiologist for another three weeks or so and it worries me. The physician who diagnosed him made it seem like he was doomed with an ejection fraction that low. Can his ejection fraction of
25% be improved? Another individual asked a question related to ejection fraction. Here is some information on ejection fraction readings from a previous answer to a similar question on this site: "Normal ejection fraction is between 55-75. A measurement under 40 may be evidence of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. An EF between 40 and 55 indicates damage, perhaps from a previous heart attack, but it may not indicate heart failure. In severe cases, EF can drop below 5
percent... Low EF often cannot be cured. Treatment typically focuses on reducing symptoms and keeping the condition from getting worse. This may include changes in diet and exercise, medications, surgical procedures and use of devices like implantable defibrillators." My advice would be to wait to hear from the cardiologist before you become overly concerned about the prognosis. He or she will be the best person to tell you the options for treating this condition. Here are some articles you might find helpful in the meantime: What to Eat with Atrial Fibrillation Healthier Habits to Prevent Heart Events How to Manage Atrial Fibrillation You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional. Hearing your heart ejection fraction is low can generate a lot of questions, like why it’s low and what can you do to improve it. At Aurora, diagnosing and treating heart conditions is our specialty. With unparalleled expertise, we’re one of the most active cardiovascular programs in Wisconsin. Our experienced team is here to get you the answers – and the right care – you need to keep your heart ejection fraction within normal range. What is low ejection fraction?Ejection fraction measures how well your heart is functioning. It’s expressed as a percentage and indicates how much blood your heart is pumping out with each contraction. For example, an ejection fraction of 60% means your heart is pumping 60% of your blood out of your left ventricle (its main pumping chamber) every time your heart beats. Generally, a normal range for ejection fraction is between 55% and 70%. Low ejection fraction, sometimes called low EF, is when your ejection fraction falls below the normal range. It means your heart isn’t functioning as well as it should. Your doctor will want to thoroughly check you for a heart condition to find the cause. A low number can be serious. If your ejection fraction is 35% or below, you’re at high risk of developing a dangerous arrythmia or even heart failure. Low ejection fraction symptomsIf you have two or more signs of low ejection fraction, particularly if you know you already have a heart condition, see your doctor right away. Symptoms can include:
Low ejection fraction causesAn ejection fraction that falls lower than the normal range is often a sign of an underlying heart disease. Many different heart and vascular conditions can lead to low ejection fraction, such as:
Low ejection fraction diagnosisWith advanced technology in labs that are among the best-equipped in the country, we’ll use one or more imaging tests to precisely measure your ejection fraction. These tests may include:
Find out more about our heart and vascular testing and diagnosis. Low ejection fraction treatmentNot only are we specialized in treating all kinds of heart conditions, but we also specialize in tailoring a treatment plan just for you. We take the time to get to know you, pinpoint any underlying causes and provide exactly the care you need. Your care plan will depend on if your low ejection fraction is linked to another heart condition. We may recommend:
What is the lowest ejection fraction you can live with?A low number can be serious. If your ejection fraction is 35% or below, you're at high risk of developing a dangerous arrythmia or even heart failure.
Can you live with 20% ejection fraction?Conclusion: Three year survival is low when ejection fraction is very low. However, once the ejection fraction is < or =20% ejection fraction is no longer a predictor of mortality.
What happens if your ejection fraction is low?Ejection fraction measures your heart's ability to pump oxygen-rich blood out to your body. In a healthy heart, the fraction is a higher number. A low number means that your heart has difficulty keeping up with your body's needs.
What is normal ejection fraction for a 70 year old?An ejection fraction of 50 percent to 65 percent is considered normal.
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