Yes, it's possible to raise your ejection fraction back into the normal range with treatments and self-care. Ejection fraction (EF) is an important indicator of heart strength. It measures the percentage of oxygen-rich blood pumped out of your heart with each beat.
Understanding Ejection Fraction
A healthy heart efficiently pumps blood, resulting in a normal ejection fraction. A low ejection fraction often signals heart failure. According to provided information, with treatments and self-care, it's possible to raise your ejection fraction back into normal range.
Strategies to Improve Ejection Fraction
While the provided reference doesn't specify the exact treatments and self-care strategies, here's a general overview of methods that are commonly used to manage and potentially improve ejection fraction. It's vital to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Medical Treatments
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Medications:
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers: Slow heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Diuretics: Reduce fluid buildup.
- Digoxin: Helps the heart beat stronger.
- ARNI (Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor): Newer class of medication that can be more effective than ACE inhibitors or ARBs in some patients.
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Medical Devices:
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac arrest.
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): Helps coordinate the heart's contractions.
Self-Care Strategies
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Healthy Diet:
- Low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol.
- Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Regular Exercise:
- Under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Can improve cardiovascular health and heart function.
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Weight Management:
- Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart.
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Smoking Cessation:
- Smoking damages blood vessels and worsens heart conditions.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption:
- Excessive alcohol can weaken the heart muscle.
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Stress Management:
- Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health.
Example Scenario
Imagine a person diagnosed with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction of 35%. By adhering to prescribed medications (e.g., ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker), following a low-sodium diet, engaging in regular, moderate exercise, and quitting smoking, they may see an improvement in their ejection fraction over time. Follow-up echocardiograms would monitor their progress. The success and speed of improvement vary based on the underlying cause of heart failure, adherence to treatment, and individual factors.
