Ejection fraction and heart health

[kiddfunkadelic]

Several years ago I was diagnosed with enlarged heart and was told I had an ejection fraction of 35%. I didn't understand this and asked what it meant. My doctor told me that it means that one day I may need a new heart. In May of 2007 I had a Thallium stress test and an ejection fraction of 41%. After the stress test I almost didn't make the 45 minute ride home. I couldn't keep my eyes open I was swerving all over the highway but luckily I made it home. It was the most frightening 45 minute rides of my life. I was extremely exhausted and wiped out for over the next 3 days. Since the stress test I tire easily and it feels like my heart is pounding even in at rest position. I can see my body shake even when just sitting down or lying down. Is an ejection fraction of 41% bad. What is going on and what do I do?

[neil_a]

Hi kiddfunkadelic,

Your topic should be......What happened because of the stress test?

Call your Doctor right away.

I have a 15% ejection fraction.  I wish mine was 41%.  Don't worry about your EF now - try to get your heart stabilized again.

kind regards,

Neil

[Yvette BG]

Most doctors say a normal ejection fraction is between 50% and 70%. It would be a good idea to see the doctor again. They probably will want to do an echocardiogram to see what the valves of your heart look like or run other tests to figure out what's going on.