What's happened to my EF?

Strange thing, I visited a cardiologist today (referred from my PCP) just to get some answers to get completely rid of the cardiac neurosis.

I told him about my previous echo (18 months ago), that was normal, with an ejection fraction of 56%. Just to be sure he wanted to do a new one.

My heart rate was lower this time, but I was a bit anxious when I asked him.. "please say my EF is above 50%?"
He replied: Are you crazy, it's close to 80%, and at least far above 70! And the heart was amazing, everyone should wish their hearts were as good as mine, he told me. Absolutely no signs of any diseases.

Is it just the fact that my condition level is increased? I'm not complaining, but what has happened? :)

[itdood]

Mine is hyperdynamic as well.  My EF was measuring 77%.   Mine was measured on 2 different echos and an MRI, same results.  Their reaction was......meh, whatever.  I didn't read too much into it.

Echo has a large margin of error on measuring EF I thought.  I think it's like +/- 10%?

Were you more or less anxious for this one?  I'm wondering if being anxious during the procedure can make that happen.

[is_something_wrong]

Hi, well I was probably more anxious for the first one, my heart rate was 130 or so at that time, and I felt sort of a "light" pulse. This time, the heart rate was slower, 75 or so, and the pulse was hard. Another anxiety response, I guess.

It makes sense. Better ventricular filling will cause a higher EF. At least I'm more happy with this result. And he told me that my arrhythmia that I mentioned some months ago was sinus tachycardia. It can obviously increase to about 250 if you get a panic attack when you exercise. I didn't know that..

I'm not sure what a high EF means.. I always thought "the higher the better" if it wasn't caused by LVH.

Thanks for answering :)

[Mom2four85]

ack there's a condition that causes ef's to be abnormally high - I'm having such a brain fog today it's difficult to even think - google it and see if you find it - otherwise just write my post off to insanity from intense pain...I'll repost if I find it

[is_something_wrong]

Hi Lisa!

Please don't post it if you find the name. I just want to trust that my heart is healthy! :)

I hope your headache will go away soon. Thanks for answering! :)

[Mom2four85]

LOL ok - I won't tell you....your heart is perfectly fine and dandy! [that help?]

[is_something_wrong]

Referring my results:

LVIDd (LV wall thickness): 10 mm
IVSd (Septum wall thickness): 10 mm
Septum/wall ratio: 1,0
LVSD (LV systolic diameter) 51 mm
LVDD (LV diastolic diameter) 31 mm
Fraction shortening: 39%
LVEF: 75-80%

PA pressure: Normal
Aortic velocity: Normal
No structural changes
No signs of regurgitation
RV well functioning

Impression: Remarkably normal heart with excellent contractility. Normal wall sizes and normal chamber dimensions.

Diagnosis: i49.1 - Benign premature atrial depolarization that is triggered by high catecholamine levels and anxiety.

[itdood]

Being hyperdynamic can be caused by bad things or it can be perfectly normal.  I think Lisa mentioned there could be one bad thing in particular but there's actually a few I can think of, none of which you have.

is_something_wrong, you know the drill dood!!!   Every disease marker for your heart has been ruled out.  There's nothing on the table to be concerned about, there's nothing actionable.  None of the bad things that can make your heart hyperdynamic are going on.    I'm right there with ya and it doesn't concern my paranoid butt in the least.

No worries.

[Mom2four85]

now I'll be singing in my head all day...don't worry...be happy and whistling..humming..