Low Ejection Fraction and running question

[tdhenry031]

Hi-

I have an ejection fraction in the 25% range and am on the transplant list. However, I live a fairly normal life at this point. I am 25 years old and I think that helps my body compensate for the decreased heart function. I started running around 6 months ago. I have been able to increase my running capacity from around 1 minute to about 15 minutes. I follow the rule of thumb of holding a conversation while exercising. Because of that I am not having to stop running because I am out of breathe but rather because my leg muscles start "giving out". Is there a heart related reason for my legs not acclimating to the exercise but my lungs are? or is it just a general fitness problem?

[2210485]

Well the legs require a tremendous amount of blood during exercise and I am sure having a low EF likely doesn't help accommodate that. Your blood is likely adequately oxygenated and hence the parts of your endocrine and nervous systems that regulate respiration aren't effected, but the increased demand in terms of flow isn't there in the legs.

Best guess anyways