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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
High ejection fraction
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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High ejection fraction
by Dinny, Jun 27, 2009 12:23PM
What is the significance of an EF of 85%? Patient is male, 53 years old, 5-2", approx. 135 pounds with a previous triple bypass (3 years ago). He was admitted to the hospital with chest pains. The electrocardiogram showed very minor nonspecific ST segment straightening. Exercised according to a standard Bruce protocol, completing Stage 4 and achieving heart rate of 164 BPM. Blood pressure response acceptable. No exercise-induced arryhthmias. Monitoring of the electrocardiogram during exercise revealed no ischemic change, however, in late recovery, there did appear to be evidence of some ST segment depression in the inferolateral leads. (about 1 mm of horizontal ST segment depression). Nuclear medicine gated myocardial perfusion spect study showed an LV EF of 85% and no evidence for ventricular wall motion abnormality. It noted that there is ventricular wall thickening. Nothing to suggest reversible perfusion abnormalities. (I think the last item means he didn't have a heart attack.) Do we need to be concerned about the high EF? Is the horizontal ST segment depression of concern?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Jun 27, 2009 12:46PM
, Jun 27, 2009 12:46PM
The horizontal ST depression is non-specific so probably doesn't carry much significance. The fact that he exercised up to the 4th stage and had no perfusion defects on the scan (no low blood flow, not necessarily a heart attack) portends a better prognosis. Nuclear tests aren't good at estimating ejection fraction, so I would recommend an echocardiogram to get a better sense. High ejection fraction may be a sign of hypertensive heart disease, beta blocker withdrawal, poor volume status, etc.
Member Comments (2)
by Dinny, Jun 27, 2009 01:05PM
To: Cleveland Clinic
Thank you for your quick reply. It was quite helpful & reassuring. He will be following up with his cardiologist & will ask about an echo. Many thanks!!!
