Declining LVEF: What It Means for Your Heart Health - Cardiology

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Declining left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a significant concern in heart health, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as mitral valve prolapse. LVEF is a measurement of the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat. A normal LVEF ranges from 55% to 70%. Your reported values of 73.4%, 69.7%, and 67% over the past three years indicate a downward trend, which could suggest worsening heart function.

The decline in LVEF can be attributed to several factors, including but not limited to:
1. Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP): This condition can lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward into the left atrium during contraction. Over time, this can cause volume overload on the left ventricle, leading to dilation and impaired contractility, which may contribute to a decrease in LVEF.

2. Diastolic Dysfunction: As indicated in some of your previous reports, diastolic dysfunction can occur when the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood is impaired. This can lead to elevated pressures in the heart and contribute to symptoms of heart failure.

3. Hypertension: If you have high blood pressure, it can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle), which can impair the heart's ability to pump effectively.

4. Coronary Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to blockages can also lead to decreased heart function.

5. Other Cardiac Conditions: Conditions such as cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias can also affect LVEF.

Given your declining LVEF, it is crucial to take this seriously and discuss it with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluations, such as additional imaging studies, stress tests, or blood tests to assess your heart function and overall cardiovascular health.


Recommendations for Improvement:
1. Regular Monitoring: Continue with your annual echocardiograms to monitor LVEF and other cardiac parameters closely.

2. Medication Management: If you are not already on medications, your doctor may prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics to help manage heart function and blood pressure.

3. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit salt intake to help manage blood pressure.

- Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity as tolerated. Consult with your doctor about a safe exercise regimen tailored to your condition.

- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your heart.

4. Control Risk Factors: Manage other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking cessation if applicable.

5. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Consider enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program, which can provide supervised exercise and education on heart health.

6. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups with your cardiologist are essential to adjust treatment plans based on your heart's performance.

In summary, a declining LVEF is a signal that should not be ignored. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to understand the underlying causes and implement strategies to improve your heart health. Early intervention can significantly impact your prognosis and quality of life.