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Cause of low EF with no blockages or plaque?
Echo and CT angiogram show my EF to be 45 and 49%, respectively. Angio showed no blockages and no plaque or structural abnormalities. I am seeing a new cardiologist in a few weeks but wondered about causes of reduced EF in this scenario? thanks
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@lizzyhope
I'm tagging a few other Connect members who have also experienced reduced ejection fraction in the hopes that they can offer some thoughts. @joejumbalya @thankful @bibi12 @murryone @cynaburst any input for lizzyhope?
You may find this Mayo Clinic summary helpful as you wait for others to comment.
-Ejection Fraction: What Does It Measure?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/expert-answers/ejection-fraction/faq-20058286
Lizzyhope, what led you to get and echo and CT angiogram? How are you feeling?
@jlharsh -my primary Dr heard a murmur and ordered the first echo, it showed low EF and other valve issues (I posted on those details a few months ago). Prior EKGs had also shown valve issues. That led to a cardiologist visit with another echo done after a few months on medication (no real change), and that cardiologist ordered the CT angio based on the low EF and a very strong family history of congestive heart failure. I've posted on all of that previously so trying to be brief here.
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1 ReactionWondering if your Echo showed any regurgitation, meaning backflow through a valve. A valve issue can definitely be a cause of low EF, but not sure what else would cause low EF.
All the best getting it all figured out!
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3 Reactions@lizzyhope
My most recent echocardiogram showed low normal EF of 50-55%. It used to be 60-65%.
3 years ago I got a new aortic valve after a gradual decline in valve function with severe aortic stenosis. I was fine afterwards until my recent echo. I asked my cardiologist for the cause of the lower EF. He thought it could be due to the strain on the heart from the aortic stenosis.
It probably would be a good idea to have your valve issues examined.
Do you feel a change in your stamina?
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3 Reactions@aard yes--3 valves showed moderate regurgitation. thanks, that's helpful to ask my new cardiologist more about.
@astaingegerdm -thank you, this is helpful. I still (make myself) exercise daily-but stamina has decreased for sure over the last year or more.
Mine was 47 on first Echo. Next Cardiologist visit I was prescribed ENTRESTO. Also got Doc’s OK to increase my exercise levels. Following year the EF improved to about 65.