Ejection Fraction / Left Ventricle

[chuck89]

I am a very active 46 year old that was experienceing some chest pains and took a stress test.  Afterwards, the cardiologists stated that it was the best he had seen in two years.  I also referee high school basketball games and had donme around 100 this year as well.  I do at times though experience some unexplainedc fatigue.  The family doctor stated that there was a question about my left ventricle.  My heart rate got up to 162 after 21 minutes.  After 90 seconds it was down to 108; I thought, no problem.  Anyweay, had an echo and they stated that my ejection fraction was down to 50%.  What I didn;t know was that in 03 it was 40%.  He has ordeered a gold standard test this weekend.  I like to lkift weigfhts; hard and train hard.  Just finished backpacking across ITaly in the 93 degree weather.  Myu question is , should I be worried?  Should i stop training so hard?  My gut tell sme no but I guess my doctors are being thoutough.  I find it odd that no one told me anything in 03 about my EF rate.  The cardiologist told me that it seems as if the rate is going in a good direction.

[tpb]

how did you get your EF pumped up? Did it take a long time? My hubby (43+) is still having a EF of 40%  3 months after his MI.

[myohno]

I would be very angry if no one had told me my ejection fraction had been down to 40%!!! When I was at 37% I was on medical leave because my cardiologist wouldn't let me work! He never allowed me to return to work until I was back up to 50% so something is not right!  I was told I could only do certain things and I was only allowed to do it at the hospital with a heart monitor on, so if I were you, I would be very firm with your doctor and ask him/her why you were not told!  50% is is the lower limits of normal so you can do most things without problems. When I got to 50% we were applauding with joy! I still tire out easily but nothing like I was!!!  Good luck to you!!!