Heart Tests

[Purist]

My mother who is 73 has had some recent heart tests (a 24 hour test and an echocardiogram) she received a letter today saying that she has 50-52% ejection fracture and some left bradle bunch block.
They also said the 24 hour test showed some bradycardia whilst she was asleep.
She currently takes an antidepressant, omeprazole and high blood pressure medicine, I am a bit worried about these results as she is, she does not see the consultant until 16 december, is there anything positive I can tell her with these findings?

[rowanwitch]

Ejection fraction
Bundle branch block
Just to help if you were struggling to find them online. Don't look at the figures. Look at the person... Is she struggling, breathless, dizzy, Everyone shows different responses to things. If she is struggling ask the consultants Secretary to get you an earlier appointment.

[Buenchico]

Quote (from a reputable source, i.e. the American Heart Association):
"A normal heart’s ejection fraction may be between 50 and 70 percent".

Source:
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/diagnosing-heart-failure/ejection-fraction-heart-failure-measurement

So, although it's right at the bottom of the range, your mother's ejection fraction is still classed as 'normal'.

[Purist]

Thank you Rowan, I knew I did not have the right terminology! She has seemed okay in herself apart from suffering with anxiety and high blood pressure, the medication has brought it down but its still a bit high, she has just started a new medication to bring it down better. She has not seemed breathless but has been worried about the letter since she received it.

[Sqad]

Yes, tell her that for a 73 year old, her heart is not bad and good for a few more years.
50-52% ejection phase is normal for a women her age and it means that more than 50 % of her left ventricle blood content i is pumping out blood in one beat.......not bad.

Nothing to concern her or you any concern.

The bradycardia MIGHT be a cause for a little concern as that with the bundle branch block, might suggest that there is some minimal blockage in her coronary arteries, but no big deal.

There is nothing in the above tests to suggest that she is suffering any degree of heart failure which could have been brought on by her hypertension (High B.P)

[Purist]

Thank you for the replies, I feel a bit better reading this, she recently started a medication called Larbex and has needed to have regular blood tests which has made her worry.

The nurse mentioned the bradycardia might have been caused by her medication?

[Sqad]

I can't agree with the nurse, as if the drugs were causing her bradycardia, then one would have to explain her left bundle branch block, whereas bradycardia and LBBB in ischaemic heart disease is well known......but still....no big deal at this stage.

[Purist]

Thank you for the replies everyone, I will provide an update when she has seen the consultant.