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What Does Ejection Fraction Of 20% Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 11 May 2016
Question: My husband has just had CHF this past Sunday. After an echocardiogram I was told that his heart function is only 20%, and he has a valve leakage. He is 83 years old, has Parkinson's and diabetes. He is presently on processed foods because of swallowing & choaking issues. What does this heart loss mean for his quality of life or his life span? The cardiologist recommend no surgery. What should I expect?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Should wait to see how he responses medical therapy

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs,

Ejection fraction of 20%, is severely reduced heart contractility. Also comorbidities make disease worse.
But if he developed heart failure recently, there are good chances that he will have good response to medical therapy.
Everything depends on how he will be in medical therapy, if his heart failure gets better quickly, the prognosis is relatively good, if he stays in advanced heart failure, then prognosis is poor.

Hope I could help you

Wishing a good health to your husband

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (5 days later)
Thank you for yor responce, since then I have learned that he has more involved heart problems and has sent him home with hospice attending.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Wishing a good health to your husband
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1536 Questions

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What Does Ejection Fraction Of 20% Indicate?

Brief Answer: Should wait to see how he responses medical therapy Detailed Answer: Dear Mrs, Ejection fraction of 20%, is severely reduced heart contractility. Also comorbidities make disease worse. But if he developed heart failure recently, there are good chances that he will have good response to medical therapy. Everything depends on how he will be in medical therapy, if his heart failure gets better quickly, the prognosis is relatively good, if he stays in advanced heart failure, then prognosis is poor. Hope I could help you Wishing a good health to your husband In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask Regards,