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Real members of MyHeartDiseaseTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I recently had an echo cardiogram stress test performed got results and found my refraction score had dropped from 55 to 40 but my doctor...

A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Subscriber asked a question 💭

Didn't seem concerned or phased by this drop, should I seek another cardiologist, because even though I felt that was a significant change and drop, he didn't seem overly concerned or to deem it an issue or reason to be concerned.
I also had a CT Scan done on my heart which I was given a calcium score of 307, which he's done nothing about, is it time I sought another doctor?

October 25
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A MyHeartDiseaseTeam Member

If you're asking this question it's time to look for a second or even third opinion and find a doctor that gives you confidence and a positive path forward. I was in a similar situation with Afib. I found better docs, had a sucessful Ablation and have been Afib and drug free for almost 4 years now. Both my new cardiologist and electrophysiologist took me off blood thinners right after and set followup for as and if needed.

I should have made the move 2 months earlier as soon as I had doubts. Not a time to add the stress of doubt. Don't settle for less.

7 days ago
MyHeartDiseaseTeam

It sounds like there's a real concern here worth taking seriously. To clarify the terminology — the score being referred to is likely an ejection fraction (EF), which measures how much blood your heart pumps out with each beat, not a "refraction score."

A drop from 55% to 40% is worth paying attention to. Here's why:

- A Show Full Answer

It sounds like there's a real concern here worth taking seriously. To clarify the terminology — the score being referred to is likely an ejection fraction (EF), which measures how much blood your heart pumps out with each beat, not a "refraction score."

A drop from 55% to 40% is worth paying attention to. Here's why:

- A normal EF is generally between 50–70%
- 55% is considered healthy
- 40% is on the lower end and can indicate the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should be
- Symptoms like breathlessness, rapid heart rate, dizziness, swelling, or sudden weight changes alongside a drop like this are worth flagging immediately A calcium score of 307 is also considered elevated and typically signals a moderate-to-high buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase heart-related risks.

Feeling unheard by a doctor is genuinely frustrating, and it's completely reasonable to want clearer answers. As one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member wisely put it — if you're unsure about your care, seeking a second opinion from a specialist is always a valid option.

Here are some steps worth considering:

- Write down all your questions and concerns before your next appointment
- Ask your doctor directly why these results aren't a cause for concern — a good doctor will explain their reasoning clearly
- Request a referral to another cardiologist if you still feel dismissed
- Keep copies of all your test results for any new doctor you see Advocating for yourself is one of the most important things that can be done when managing heart health. If something doesn't feel right, it's absolutely okay — and encouraged — to seek a second opinion. No good cardiologist will fault a patient for wanting clarity.

October 25

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