43% ef, Is that bad?

Im 44 years old and I would say in pretty good. I was recently hospiyalized for chest pain and had several test done while there. The only thing I know as of yet was that my ejection fraction was43%.....I was schedualed for a cardiac cath come that Monday morn....but checked myself out of the hospital because hospatal workers(Doctors as well) made me feel like there was nothing wrong with me... whats your view?...Thanks Karennfla

[debola53]

43% EF is somewhat low. Normal is 55% and up. You should have the cath since one of the causes of low EF is CAD. You should ask if you have cardiomyopathy, which can cause low EF and can happen from CAD. They can start meds to improve your EF, which is the strength your ventricle pumps blood out. If it is too low, you can get arrhythmias, shortness of breath, fatigue. My EF used to be 30-35% and now is 45-50%. I have dilated cardiomyopathy. You really need the cath since you also had chest pain to determine if you have blockages. Better to find out early than too late. Good luck-I hope it is nothing serious-Debi

[karennfla]

I do have chest pain and sever fatigue, I feel short of breath often and my primary has said significant cardiomyopathy....so Im waiting for more info....

[Momto3]

I agree with Debi.  An EF of 43% is below the normal range and generally indicates that your heart is not pumping quite like it should.  There are several possibilites and it may be that the reading was inaccurate, but it's best to follow up.  Maybe you can coordinate a cath with your own physician. The fact that you are symptomatic further indicates an evaluation is a good idea.  There are some great medications available, and some have been known to help increase the function.

At one time, I had cardiomyopathy, but mine was because of too many pvcs.  Once the pvcs were taken care of, the CM resolved over a little time.

Please talk with your doctor about follow up.  Keep us posted.

connie