ejection fraction question

[tantekay]

HI! Well, my son completed his heart cath this morning and all looked great they said. I was feeling very great about how well the fontan will go until they did an echo test that has me wondering. The echo tech took the measurements off the echo and did his computing thing and said that Eric has an ef of 55%. He told us that it was a good number and he's fine. But being the nervous mom I am, I started looking it up as soon as I could. From what I've seen - an ef of 55% is the lowest acceptable amount. Anything lower and they would worry. But according to the tech -- anything higher is ok -- but doesn't necessarily mean better and that we shouldn't be striving for a higher number. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything else about ef's and whether I should worry or not. All this said -- I guess I'm also more on edge since we are scheduled for his fontan next month. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Christine]

i'm not an expert on EF, but I was told somewhere around 55-60 is fine, 60-75 is normall as well.. below 40ish is not so good.. 4 years ago, when I was finally properly diagnosed aortic stenosis via bacteria endocarditis, my EF was 22 - one month after OHS, it went back to normal.. if you feel good about the Drs, then trust them.. web info is great, but we tend to read too much in to it at times as well..

Chris

 

[bvdr]

Tantakay,
I think 55% is just fine. I know you have so much on your mind as you creep closer to your son's surgery but I think he is probably in good shape with his EF. Do know that you and your family will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and complete recovery.

 

[tobagotwo]

55% EF is fine. It's not barely fine - it's fine. It's normal. Not barely normal - completely normal.

This is a very good starting point. Our thoughts are with you.

Best wishes,

 

[tantekay]

Thanks guys

Thanks guys

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it very much! Sometimes us moms, as well as everyone else, need that extra reassurance that things are ok. You guys are great! Thanks again!!