Ejection Fraction

At 2 p.m. (Eastern Time, U.S.) today (May 30, 2025), I have an appointment with my physician's assistant at my cardiologist's office for the results of my recent echocardiogram to determine the Ejection Fraction of my heart. A recent stress test determined my current Ejection Fraction to be 34.

"Ejection Fraction (EF) is a percentage that measures how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each heartbeat. It's a key diagnostic tool in cardiology, used to assess heart function and remodeling. A normal EF is between 55–70%, and an EF below 50% can indicate a problem. EF below 35% significantly increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). EF can be affected by heart attacks, heart failure, or valve problems." - from Google

Many sources state that less than 40% is dangerous.

I have been dealing with Congestive Heart Failure (a low EF) for several years. If I can NOT get my EF into the normal range with the many heart medications I have been taking, I will need surgery to install a defibrillator.

In March 2022, I had Quadruple Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, followed by two related chest surgeries in May 2022. My EF was 33 before the surgery. After my open-heart surgery, it was 37. My recent high was 43, but it since has dropped to 34, as per my recent stress test. I hope today's echocardiogram results will bring good news. I will let you know later.

I had two spine surgeries in 2023 (September and October) and one right-ankle surgery in 2024 (April), so that may have affected my EF level.

UPDATE: In regard to the results of my recent echocardiogram, my Ejection Fraction (EF) is 35 to 40. My recent stress test, which was slightly before this echocardiogram, showed my EF at 34. I was happy until my physician's assistant at my cardiologist's office told me that the result of my echocardiogram from last year (2024) had my EF at 55. She also mentioned that my heart looks mostly good, except for a very slight blockage; scar tissue; and a tiny leak. The Bottom Line: She increased the dosage of my blood pressure medication and one of my heart medications. My next appointment is in about four months.