Re: Ejection Fraction

Posted By Karen on November 17, 1998 at 23:02:38:

In Reply to: Re: Ejection Fraction posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on November 17, 1998 at 17:22:50:






What could one do to improve their Ejection Fraction? Diet and exercise?  If not, what could one do to keep their Ejection Fraction from decreasing over time with age?  Thank You.



  
Dear Karen, thank you for your question.  I think I need more information to answer your questions.  First, do you already have a depressed ejection fraction and if so, what is the cause - heart attacks, primary cardiomyopathy, etc.?  Second, what is your current EF?  The normal value is > 55%.  Finally, how old are you and do you have any known cardiac disease at this time?  Please write back with further information and I'll be happy to answer your questions more specifically.



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Dear Dr. MTR,
Thank you for such a fast reply.  I'm a 29 year old female.  Three years ago I was diagnosed with viral myocarditis. EF was around 48%  Last week I had my annual check-up and echo and everything was completely normal with a minor MVP. My EF was 60% for the second year in a row. I would really like to prevent any more episodes of cardiomyopathy  and was wondering what I could do to improve my EF; or how to keep my EF from going down with time.  This experience has not been a pleasant one, but I feel very lucky because my illness could have been ALOT worse.  I have started to really focus on taking care of myself with a good balance diet, exercise and plenty of rest. Thank you for your time.