Heart Disease Community

Hi:

"Can it improve after 7 weeks?"

Somtimes yes, sometimes no.

Also, as reported, as applicable to the patient, if/when the LVEF improves substantially or even recovers, and appears to function near-normal or normally, other problems (unseen, that is, at a cellular or molecular level) often exist, or possible problems may/can occur anytime down the road, putting one at increased risk.

"Can I live a normal life with a 35??"

A 35% LVEF is considered as being moderate heart failure,
and in general-only, some individuals who have a low (moderate) or a really low (severe) LVEF) feel fine and function well, while others do not.

Additionally, it is often said that an implantable cardiodefibrillator (ICD) is like having a rescue squad inside your chest. As demonstrated in clinical studies, and as deemed applicable (meets the current criteria/guidelines) to the patient, in some cases, those with a low (moderate) or very low (severe) LVEF, an ICD can improve the outcome (especially if the heart's electrical system goes haywire).

As applicable, in some cases, along with a doctor recommended/authorized exercise regimen (unless contraindicated), LVEF can be increased, sometimes substantially, by customizing/tweaking prescription drug-therapy (e.g., Coreg, which showed, back in its clinical trial days, that it could boost LVEF in some individuals) and supplemental (complimentary or integrative medicine) therapy, as deemed applicable.

Just one example of complimentary medicine is the use of the supplement Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or ubiquinone, a vitamin-like substance) for heart failure (though currently not scientifically proven, some doctors may advise the patient to give it a try) which may/can (i.e., along with doctor directed prescription drug-therapy, and with the doctor knowing about any supplements being taken) help to improve LVEF in some, with other supplements sometimes added to the mix.

Noteworthy, though the damage done after a heart attack is seen as being permanent/irreversible, some ongoing clinical trials are showing promise for making heart damage/heart failure reversible.

Understanding Your Ejection Fraction

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/heartfailure/ejectionfraction.aspx
**To get a decent estimate of LVEF, a MUGA scan is reported as being the most accurate of the non-invasive methods.

Pertinent excerpt from an article - Richard N. Fogoros, M.D.

When is the MUGA scan more useful than other heart tests?

The advantages of the MUGA scan over other techniques (such as the echocardiogram) for measuring the LVEF are twofold. First, the MUGA ejection fraction is highly accurate, probably more accurate than that obtained by any other technique. Second, The MUGA ejection fraction is highly reproducible. That is, if the LVEF measurement is repeated several times, nearly the same answer is always obtained. (With other tests, variations in the measured LVEF are much greater.)

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Best of luck down the road of life.

Take care,

CardioStar*

WebMD member (since 8/99)

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Be well-informed

Living with Heart Failure

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/living-with-heart-failure

Forum: Heart Failure

http://myportal.americanheart.org/jiveforum/forum.jspa?forumID=16

Heart Failure Society of America

Heart Failure Stages

(Class I-IV)

http://www.abouthf.org/questions_stages.htm

WebMD

Living with CAD

A disease with no cure...

Recognize the symptoms. Reduce your risk factors. Take your medications. See your doctor for regular check-ups...

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/living-with-heart-disease

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Coronary artery anatomy

http://www.heartsite.com/html/lad.html

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Quote!

"Be a questioning patient. TALK to your DOCTOR and ASK QUESTIONS. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions, and are most assertive, get the best results. Be vigilant and speak up!"


- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society

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