May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Heart Disease Ejection fraction – a measure of heart function
Ejection fraction – a measure of heart function |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: After several heart attacks, my heart is approximately 30% dead. My doctors is worried about my blood pressure. I was wondering if the fact that I only have 70% of a healthy heart would have any result on my blood pressure. Currently my average blood pressure is: Systolic 139 and Diastolic 67. Dear Greg: The left ventricle (LV) of the heart is the chamber that pumps blood through the aorta to the other vital organs and the rest of the body. On echocardiogram the left ventricular ejection fraction or LVEF is measured and used to check for damage to heart muscle function or pumping ability of the heart. The LVEF value for a person with no heart damage is usually around 60% or greater. If as you describe “your heart is 30% dead” I do not know if you are referring to an ejection fraction of 30%, which indicates moderate to severe left ventricular failure or 30% of the normal 60% (which equals an EF of 40% indicating moderate left ventricular failure). Blood pressure is not usually affected unless the left ventricular failure is severe, with an ejection fraction of <30%. The blood pressure you have provided is normal to high and therefore I would not be overly concerned. I would advise speaking to your cardiologist to clarify the extent of heart damage in your case. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 October 2010 ) |
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