How to improve ejection fraction rate?
Patient: I'm a 33 year old post hrt attack.  Im about 5 wks out.  I'm an avid weight lifter which I do 4 to 5 days a week.  My ef was 35% after the mi.   I had 4 stents in my RCA.  I also had one placed in my circ.  My question is can I get my ef to get better???   Also will I ever be able to lift weights again.   My cardiologist said as long as I feel up to it down the road.   Then another cardiologist in the office said absolutely not.  My history is hyperlipidemia of genetic cause. Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, you should should avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. This can precipitate heart failure. In your following drugs should be started to improve ejection fraction (EF). 1. Strict control of dyslipidemia. So optimal dose of lipid lowering drugs like atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, finofibrate etc. 2. Low dose beta blocker like metoprolol. It is having cardiac protective role and proven benefit post MI (myocardial ischemia). 3. ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors like enalapril, captopril etc. Same benefit as beta blocker. 4. Digoxin. Increases force of contraction and improves EF. 5. Low dose diuretic to prevent fluid overload. So discuss about starting these drugs with your cardiologist to improve EF. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.