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Severe heart failure with 20-25% ejection fraction, limited treatment options, anyone been through this?

4 replies

helpmehelpmybrother · 01/11/2022 16:08

My DB was hospitalised with breathlessness and erratic heartbeat last week.
After tests he has been diagnosed as having severe heart failure. ejection fraction is between 20 and 25% but likely to be at the bottom of that scale.
He is being discharged into the home he lives in with input and support from the heart failure team.

He is being referred as an outpatient to a consultant cardiologist to see if they can investigate the cause of the huge attack he had last week, however its unlikely, given his vulnerability that they will investigate too much as some of the tests are invasive and require minor surgery.

I have been advised he is not a candidate for surgery due to his underlying conditions, so no bypass or surgery or no invasive tests and a DNR is in place should he have another heart attack, I am trying to remain positive but something tells me that all in all, if your heart is only operating at (at best) a third of what it should be, then that isn't going to be good news is it?

OP posts:
LadyGardenersQuestionTime · 01/11/2022 16:18

So sorry to hear this. Does DB have other health problems too?

helpmehelpmybrother · 01/11/2022 16:21

He has angina and erratic heartbeat, and due to his paralysis his cardio respiratory system is compromised.

OP posts:
confusedlots · 01/11/2022 16:24

My DF has an ejection fraction of between 20 and 30% after a couple of major heart attacks. It's been at that level for around a year now. It is a real worry as I know his heart probably wont be able to deal with any additional stress, but he's currently getting on ok, although he's not able to walk too far without getting breathless.

dontcallmelen · 01/11/2022 16:29

I’m so sorry your brother is so unwell, I know every case is different I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2011 my ejection fraction was 29% I did have some stents put in & have been on a couple of medications ever since my EF is now around 44% & has been for about the last 8-9 years I get very tired/fatigued experience some breathlessness but I’m still here.
feel free to ask any questions.
hopefully the cardiologist will be able to offer some treatment options💐

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