19% Ejection fraction at 67 year old after Quad Bypass

[425runner]

My husband had a massive heart attack few years ago, quadruple bypass saved his life but his EF is 19% and I'm worried about him. He takes Coreg, Lisinopryl, etc. and going for an cathetrization to look for blockages. The doctor told him he might need a pacemaker. Why would that be?

How many years does he have to live? It sounds pretty bad....he looks like he's waisting away.

Thanks!

[kenkeith]

I will add to what Flycaster has correctively stated.  If the EF is low there may be significant damage to the heart muscle. The damaged heart can/will have scar tissue and that area can interrupt electrical impulses, blood flow, etc. and also a left ventricle can enlarge from low EF and interrupt electrical pathways and disrrupt impulse conduction  and cause dysfunction for the heart's ability to effectively contract and pump a sufficient supply of blood into circulation. Putting the heart under the control of a pacer  will insure proper compliance for an effective heartbeat and sufficient blood supply to the body system.

Thanks for your question, and if you have any follow-up questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care and I wish you well going forward.




  

[sukumar794]

Old AWMI(october2007). EF 32% BP and diabetes under control. Experiencing occasional spells of irregular heart rhythm. Regular walking for 45 minutes in the morning. On a vegetarian diet..low fat. Cholesterol ..well under limits. Aged 61 years. Surviving on cardiac and diabetic supportive medications. Anxiety felt at times. Can I hope to live for a further period extending to several years without much difficulty?

[Flycaster305]

Has your husband's EF dropped recently, or has it been low since the bypass surgery?  
The heart cath is going to give you a lot more information.
In my case, my left ventricle enlarged after the heart attack, plus I have other issues that resulted in a pacemaker implant.  My EF rose from the high 20's to the mid 40's, where it is now.  The Pacer can ease the load on the heart, and I help my pacer by eating healthy, exercising, taking the good drugs.  I feared getting a pacemaker, but it completely changed my life in a positive way.
Those with us with heart trouble are lucky compared to those people with poor function of kidneys, lungs, etc.  Hearts can be repaired.  I'd recommend keeping an upbeat and positive attitude, get lots of information, and follow through with heart healthy activities.  Do keep us informed.