Confused about ejection fraction.

[Hjbiker]

Found out today from a recent echo that my EF is 55%. From what I've read, a normal EF is from 50% to 70% (as I understand it, the LV normally has residual blood that has to be pumped out on the next beat even without MVP). My surgeon did say that my heart is functioning well, but that my LV (or is it LA) has enlarged from 4.5cm to 5.3cm, so surgery is still needed even though I'm asymptomatic. I am scheduled for valve repair or replacement this Sept. 19th. All these numbers and measurements can be confusing so I'm wondering if I should get a second opinion (which I thought the surgeon was)? It's one thing to be pro-active, but I would sure like to avoid getting run over by that Mack truck if at all possible.

 

[BillCobit]

Hi Guys -

Visit the VR reference sources thread. THere are two references you might like to check out:

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7027

ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease
http://www.acc.org/clinical/guidelines/valvular/

Info on indications for surgery for mitral valve disease starts around page 45 of the PDF. David, the book also covers other valve disease states.

Joe, it sounds like you are right in the zone for repair/replacement:

Eligibility Recommendations for
Competitive Athletes With Cardiovascular Abnormalities
http://www.acc.org/clinical/bethesda/beth36/index.pdf

Page 13 has a discussion about the distinction between athlete's heart and pathological heart enlargement that you may find interesting.

In my case, docs at the Cleveland Clinic were trying to determine how much of my heart enlargement was due to exercise and how much was due to valve disease. Post-op, I know the answer: After surgery I increased my cardio exercise, yet my heart shrunk back to normal values within a year.

 

[Hjbiker]

Thanks David and Bill for pointing me in the right direction. I'm learning a lot!

Joe

 

[MarkU]

Hi Guys -

In my case, docs at the Cleveland Clinic were trying to determine how much of my heart enlargement was due to exercise and how much was due to valve disease. Post-op, I know the answer: After surgery I increased my cardio exercise, yet my heart shrunk back to normal values within a year.

My experience was similar. My enlargement also reversed itself within the first year after my AVR, even with a very significant increase in my cardiac exercise during that time period. I have also experienced significant reductions in both my resting heart rate and blood pressure.

Mark