My mom has been in the hospital for a few days with chest and left arm pain, and the doctors are saying her ejection fraction is really low. Theyve mentioned theres no definite treatment beyond the medication she's on, and theyre not sure about her life expectancy. Im really worried. Is there any other treatment available, like pacemakers or maybe even a transplant? How does a low ejection fraction, like 28, affect life expectancy?

Dr Anshul Maheshwari

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

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With an ejection fraction of 28%, your mother is experiencing heart failure. In cases where medication alone is not sufficient, treatment options such as implanting a pacemaker or considering heart transplantation may be considered. Pacemakers can help regulate the heart's rhythm and improve its function. In more severe cases, heart transplantation may be recommended. Medications that are commonly used to manage heart failure and improve ejection fraction include: - ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor - Beta blockers (e.g., Metoprolol) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor - Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor - Aldosterone antagonists (e.g., Spironolactone) - Dosage: as prescribed by the doctor It is important to follow the treatment plan outlined by the healthcare team and make lifestyle changes to manage heart failure effectively. As for life expectancy, it can vary depending on various factors, including the underlying cause of heart failure, overall health, and response to treatment. It is best to discuss this in detail with your healthcare provider.

Answered 13 days ago