Kevin ~ In answer to your question, there are far too many variables to give a more direct answer since you haven't said what your EF percentage is and the root cause. Let me say up front, that what is most important is how you feel and whether you are enjoying any side effects from a low Ejection Fraction, such as exhaustion, cough, shortness of breath on exertion and so on. There are many people, especially athletes who function quite well with a low EF.
In my case, my EF was at 10 due to a failing mitral valve, rigidity of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy), An irregular rhythm called LBBB (left branch bundle block) which simply means my ventricles were out of sync, blocked arteries, multiple heart attacks myocardial infarctions) and well you get the idea.
So there are medications that can help some of these issues such as Ace Inhibitors and Beta Blockers. They basically reduce the stress on your heart allowing it to self heal and improve. Theres also surgery to repair or replace a damaged valve, or bypass clogged arteries and fix other damage. And theres the pacemaker. I've been there done that having had quad bypass, mitral valve replacement and a special pacemaker called a CRT-D (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator) which paces my heart in both ventricles synchronizing the beats 100% of the time causing them to be stronger and more forceful. Then theres the good old fashioned healthy diet and exercise which can help, don't underestimate the simple.
Finally, theres the magical drug Entresto that is somewhat new but has helped many people suffering CHF ( Congestive Heart Failure) improve their EF back sometimes to normal levels which is 50% to 70% (Nobodys heart ejects 100% of the blood in the ventricles, higher than 70 creates a whole new set of problems).
Now I'm not one to blow smoke up your skirt and tell you these things will work for you, they certainly didn't for me, but you've nothing to lose by trying them. I did and while my EF has never improved beyond 15 - 20% we believe it has stslled the progression of my disease and the kids getting that massive inheritence they think is waiting.
You need to sit down with your Cardiologist and have an open discussion about your EF including cause and possible solutions, or even whether it's problem for you at this point. Work with him as a team and follow the treatment regimen he develops for you, that'll give you the best chance at improving your EF.
Good luck
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Warren
TucsonAZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-26-2021 13:50
From: Kevin Falk
Subject: Improving Ejection Fraction
Has anyone had any success in improving Ejection Fraction? What methods did you use?
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Kevin Falk
Raleigh, NC
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