Heart Failure Support Group

Good question...I think a person like this would be bed ridden and not able to post anything on DS if even alive.

Technically, I don't have an EF at all. Got a huge hole between my ventricles, which sortta just makes the blood swoosh around, rather than actually pumped.
Anyway, they estimate mine would be about 50%, if it could be measured.

I agree with sb57... if you're at 10%, but able to at least get on the computer, that's great! Is yours going up, or down, or stayed the same lately? With it that low, and if it's not improving, I assume you're on a transplant list...?

Thanks for your replies sb57 and VividDawn.
I was just diagnosed in October 2007. I was suffering SOB and couldn't walk 30 steps without having to sit down and gasp for breath. My EF which was at 42% for the last 4 or more years and didn't interfere much with daily living. I had it checked 1 1/2 years ago and it was still good. The doctors said a virus is probably what caused this much damage so quickly. I just got the pacemaker in December and feel much better since. With that and the meds it may go up. Have to wait and see. I'm just afraid of catching a cold now.
They didn't put me on the waiting list but will be if it gets worse. Until I completely give up cigarettes for several months I'm not a candidate.
I'm fortunate because I'm 44 and the doctors have convinced me that I'm doing great and so long as I do my part I will live many years. The COPD is in the beginning stages so as soon as I quit smoking completely the progression will slow down.

MY DH was diagnosed with CHF and cardiomyopathy in November. He had an EF of less than 10% He's been on Coreg, and while I don't have new numbers yet (results of the ECG next week) I'll bet dollars to donuts that it's higher now. Before, he looked like the walking dead--his color was gray and all he could do was sit in a chair. Now, he's back to work and his color is much better.

One doctor put it this way. He said that his CHF probably came on slowly and that's why he was doing so well with such a low EF. He said to me, "If you or I had our EF drop to less than 10% suddenly, we'd be bedridden. But your husband is up and walking around. The body has an amazing ability to adapt."

So, yes. You can have an EF of less than 10% and be somewhat functional. But, it's rough!

Hi, I have 12 percent EF and pretty much feel awful most of the time. Had massive heart attaack 11 years ago at the age of 41 and at that time I had approx 25 percent EF. Currently in my 5th week of EECP, which maybe slight improvement. Was curious if anyone had difficulty with sleep even when fluid is not the issue, just not able to sleep well. Also, anyone have stomach problems? Really glad I found this sight as I have so many questions. Blessings to all

My husband has an EF of 15% , He doesn't sleep well either hasn't for the last couple of years. He is actually in the hospital as I type this with Pneumonia and pleuresy, and another mild heart attack, this makes number 8.

Smiledesign, you must be very frightened. Thank you so much for sharing about your husband. I will be sure and include you and your husband in my prayers. (If that is ok with you?) Best Wishes, JoAnn

Hi. I'm new to this group today. I find this thread so very interesting and just what I needed to read. My heart functions at 21%. Heart attack was sudden 2 years ago, and my biggest problem was learning to live slower. Living slower is not a bad thing. Quite a good thing -- the living part of it. I kind of like that. I've wondered many times if a person could even live under 15% function of the heart, so this thread gave me hope. Thanks you so much. Life changes are quite interesting.

Hey there,

Yes, my husband has problems sleeping. It's not fluid in the lungs or trouble breathing. Just trouble sleeping! And his stomach is upset a lot too. I think it's a result of the really slow digestion. Everything just slows down!

I have an ef of 15%, doc's in emergency said I was very lucky I went in that day, wouldn't have lasted another day or 2, so I think anyone with 10% or less would be in real trouble.

Papeaches:
How long have you had CHF? and did you get a pacemaker right away?, my doc said I may have to go to a defilberator, wonder what the difference is in the two. Does anyone know?