You clearly know this by now, but I’m not a doctor and do not work in the medical profession.  All my information is based on personal experiences and is my opinions.  I would highly recommend that you speak to your medical team about any procedure you are about to undergo, and simply use my information as a source of reference.

I will attempt to share my experiences so you can read and prepare for your own.

In this episode, I want to share some information about a very common terminology that most (if not all) heart patients will become familiar with.

Welcome to the Ejection Fraction (EF)

The below picture probably describes the Ejection Fraction very well, but I will still attempt to explain it the way I understand it.

In short, it describes and outlines how well some of your heart is working.

I will refer to Ejection Fraction as EF going forward.  It is also an abbreviation your cardiology might use.

It is mostly provided as a percentage, which may sound a little scary at times.  Not because the number might be low, but because we (patients) many times look at something working 100%.  If the percentage is low, then we compare it to the optimal levels, which in Ejection Fraction terms is not the same.

Why?

Well, the normal EF levels are anywhere between 50% – 70%.  It is not 100% as we might think or assume.  As such, when you initially hear you have a low percentage number, do not panic as it might not be as bad as you thought.

That said, anything below EF 50% is obviously not good.  But, many people with or without heart failure may be within 40% -50%, and have absolutely no issues.

When we get a diagnosis of less than 40%, then we need to worry and then we need to take some medical actions.

EF can be a result of a number of challenges, and each of these challenges comes with its own set of medical treatment.  You always need to consult and listen to your doctors to have the optimal success for your heart.

Most treatment will see the introduction of medicine.  Some will be permanent and some may be additional treatment to help you recover faster.  Either medication may (and most likely will) impact your body and some adjustment period is needed.

I’ve found that taking the treatment serious helps you recover quicker.

It may sound strange that I refer to taking it seriously.  But some heart patients might not make necessary life style changes and may start to self medicate once they see some minor improvements.  That is not advisable.

Always listen to the medical experts.