Ejection fraction on echocardiogram after pacemaker implantation

I had a St. Jude's dual-lead pacemaker implantation in 2013, One year later I had a new lead implanted as one of the leads broke. Last year I had an echocardiogram showing an ejection fraction of 48%. I was told by my cardiologist that this shows a posible past heart attack but most likely is from my pacemaker implant. The other day I had a follow-up echocardiogram showing an ejection fraction of 40%. I have not heard from my cardiologist regarding this, just saw the results on MyChart. Just wondering if anyone has had this result from their pacemaker, or might be able to give me some insight. I am of normal weight, and exercise 7 days a week. I also carefully watch my diet. Thank you!

2 Comments

My EF

by Artist - 2017-08-18 15:37:56

In my case, my EF improved after my PM  was Implanted.  That could also  be a result of my medications and ablation that reduced  the severity and duration of  my AFIB.  

Echo

by The real Patch - 2017-08-18 16:54:29

The results of an echocardiogram are highly subjective and dependent on who reads the results  can vary significantly. The technician who does mine always gives me a different EF than the Cardiologist when he reads the same data. What is important is for the same person to read the data each time so there is consistency.

Additionally, that number is not what is important, it's how you feel. There are world class athletes who have a EF in the 25% range and function quite well.

It totally depends on why you have gotten a pacemaker whether it could improve your EF. Frankly if your original reading was 48% that's so close to normal that it's insignificant and could easily be due to the tolerance in the test results which are losest with an Echo. There are other tests which are much more accurate but costly.

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

Member Quotes

We are very lucky to have these devices.