Does having low ejection fraction automatically means one has Heart Failure ?

Hello Doctor,
Does having EF between 20-30% means one has heart failure ?  My BNP level is not elevated. My EF has been low for many years (under 30%). I have had stress test done annually for many years. Until this year after the test my regular cardiologist used to tell me that things are as they were last year and no need to change treatment (ACE, beta-blocker and Lipitor). A few months ago after rushing to ER after chest pains, another cardiologist told me that no MI but EF is low, get an ICD which I did. I also had overactive thyroid gland which was treated with radioactive iodine. Now i take syntheroid (synthetic thyroxine) to compensate for the Ioss of the natural hormone.I am also an insulin taking diabetic.

I  work full time , don't have shortness of breath or fluid retention problems.

Do I have heart failure or would you classify me as a heart failure patient? Am going to get the classical HF symptoms sooner or later.?

Thanks for your time..

[Mukesh Garg, MD]

By definition, even if you are asymptomatic you have heart failure. It is classified as NYHA class I (New York Heart Association classification). With appropriate treatment you may or may not get symptoms.

[anandbharti]

Thank you, Doctor Garg.

If I am classified as NYHA Class I HF patient,  then should I be following diet for HF patient such as low salt and low fluid intake ?

Thank you once again.

[benita68]

A related discussion, lowered ejection fraction was started.