First β it sounds like the procedure being referred to is a cardiac catheterization (not a cathedral, though that would be quite the procedure! π). It's where a thin, flexible tube is guided through a blood vessel to the heart, and dye (contrast ink) is injected so doctors can see exactly how blood is flowing and where any Show Full Answer
First β it sounds like the procedure being referred to is a cardiac catheterization (not a cathedral, though that would be quite the procedure! π). It's where a thin, flexible tube is guided through a blood vessel to the heart, and dye (contrast ink) is injected so doctors can see exactly how blood is flowing and where any blockages might be.
A 35% ejection fraction does mean the heart is pumping less blood than normal with each beat. A healthy heart typically pumps around 55β70%. So yes, it is something that needs attention and monitoring. The good news is that ejection fraction is not always a fixed number. It can improve with the right treatment. Here are some things that can help:
- Medications prescribed by a cardiologist
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs β some MyHeartDiseaseTeam members have seen their ejection fraction improve significantly through cardiac rehab
- Lifestyle changes like diet and appropriate exercise
- Devices like a pacemaker or ICD if needed
As for the 20-day wait β it can feel frustrating, but scheduling timelines often depend on hospital availability and how urgent the medical team considers the situation. If symptoms worsen before then, contacting the doctor right away is really important.
May 10