Sir, My LVEF is 28% in the Echo

"Sir, my LVEF is 28% in the echo. What will my life be like now?" I hear this question every day, and it's very natural.

But there's only one answer: there's no reason to panic.

LVEF is just a number, not your future.

Patients with an EF of 25–30% live normal and stable lives today.

1. Let's first clarify what LVEF means.

LVEF is the percentage of blood the Heart pumps forward with each beat.

Normal LVEF is usually 55–65%. Below 40% is considered Low LVEF, indicating that the Heart's strength has decreased.

2. Does low LVEF mean the Heart stops working?

No. The Heart continues to work, but it does less work despite more effort.

3. LVEF is not a permanent label. It shows the current condition. With proper treatment, it can become stable and sometimes even increase.

4. In reality, I regularly see many patients with an EF of 25–30% who:

- Walk daily - Work - Avoid repeated admissions - Live a quality life with their families

5. What do patients with Low LVEF typically experience daily?

- Shortness of breath quickly while walking - Getting tired easily - Difficulty climbing stairs - Sometimes swollen feet / breathing difficulties at night

6. What changes are seen after starting proper treatment?

- Shortness of breath gradually reduces - Walking capacity increases - Fatigue decreases - The patient's confidence returns

7. What is the real benefit of proper treatment?

- Reduces undue strain on the Heart - Gives the Heart an opportunity to work more efficiently - Stops or significantly slows down the process of the Heart becoming weaker

All these improvements, through proper medication planning, give the Heart "time to recover, stabilize, and work properly."

Today, Heart failure is not the end. With proper medication, appropriate choices, and regular follow-up, it has become a manageable condition.

Ask yourself and the Heart patients in your family: What is the LVEF in your echo? Knowing this number is the beginning of making informed decisions.

Let's continue the discussion.

This is the Heart Failure Rehab series. We will explore many more important points in simple language in the coming days.

Write your questions, doubts, and experiences in the comments. Future posts will be based on your questions.

Dr. Ravindra L Kulkarni, MD, DNB, FSCAI (Cardiology) Sr. Consultant Physician & Cardiologist Specialist in Cardio Metabolic Diseases Just For Hearts