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Ejection fraction after stress test
I had a stress test because of SOB and high BP. My dr. just wanted to make sure nothing big was going on with my heart. I had the stress test and all was good except for mild LVH, which my dr. explained was from the high BP. My BP is now very much under control with the minimal of medication, thank goodness. My question is when the cardiologist measured my EF it was like 80%. I read somewhere that it needs to be no more than 75%. Would my higher number be because of the stress test? I admit that I am out of shape and the incline part of the test was a killer. I exercised at 10.1 MET's. Not sure what that means. My PCP and cardiologist went over these results with me and never said anything about the 80% just the mild LVH and said that with good BP control this could reverse as well. I was just wondering what anyone else might think.
By the way, the stress test took two days, I had what was called a nuclear stress test with andenosine (sp?).
By the way, the stress test took two days, I had what was called a nuclear stress test with andenosine (sp?).
When the EF is higher than normal range (55 to 75%) that would indicate compensation by increasing contractility. High blood pressure will stress the heart and the heart will enlarge (remodel) to meet the increased resistance, and LVH will increase EF. Reduce the blood pressure will/should provide relief and time for the heart to reverse remodeling. I don't believe EF should be above normal range during a stress test unless your heart rate is not compensating for the increase demand...possibly medication can keep your HR artificially low and that can increase the EF with exertion.
For a perspective, one MET is the energy expenditure and caloric requirement at rest. Mild exercise such as walking at a leisurely pace increases energy expenditure to perhaps 2.5 METs/hour of walking. Vigorous activity can result in 6 to more than 12 METs/hour of activity.
You didn't give your age but maximum exercise capacity decreases with age, i.e. a 4.5 MET activity in a 20-year-old would represent 30% maximum capacity compared with 50% in a 60-year-old and 100% in an 80-year-old. If you are doing 10.1 MET's, are you reaching your capacity target heart rate (220 minus age)?
For a perspective, one MET is the energy expenditure and caloric requirement at rest. Mild exercise such as walking at a leisurely pace increases energy expenditure to perhaps 2.5 METs/hour of walking. Vigorous activity can result in 6 to more than 12 METs/hour of activity.
You didn't give your age but maximum exercise capacity decreases with age, i.e. a 4.5 MET activity in a 20-year-old would represent 30% maximum capacity compared with 50% in a 60-year-old and 100% in an 80-year-old. If you are doing 10.1 MET's, are you reaching your capacity target heart rate (220 minus age)?
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