Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

Dear all,

I just got my MRI results and have no iron in the heart while mild loading in the liver.  Despite having no myocardial loading,  my Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has dropped from 61% to 55.3%.

I am aware that the normal range is above 60% and I am really concerned what might have lead to a decrease in my case. Do you have any ideas what might cause this and any suggestions on how to improve the LVEF?

My MRI results below:

Heart T2* 41.6 (none)
Liver T2* 5.9 (mild)

LVEF - 55.3%

I aim at maintaining my HB level btw 9-10. I'm taking Exjade regularly.

Your thoughts on this topic will be appreciated! Many thanks!

Rozitka,

Your T2* score is very good.  To improve your LVEF for the future you may consider not allowing your hemoglobin to drop below 10.  L-Carnitine would also be helpful. In fact L-carnitine is often prescribed for that purpose.  

Other antioxidants will be helpful as well.  

Andy will likely know a lot more. 

Sharmin

Sharmin, thanks! I will always keep it above 10 from now on.

Do you mean L-carnitie is prescribed to help LVEF ? If yes, do you have any recommendations on what brand and dose to buy (I've seen many forms and brands mainly for sport purposes, I thought).

Thanks a lot!

Today I had an  echocardiogram which showed that the fraction is actually 63%. Its quite a difference from what the MRI result showed. The cardiologist reassured me that MRI is not always reliable in terms of fraction ejection. She was confidemt that the most punctual result is showed via echocardiography. I feel relieved now but as Sharmin advised I will keeep my HB above 10 and will take additional supplements such as l-carnitie.

I'm glad the echo showed things to be normal. It's definitely the preferred test for ejection fraction.
As far as L-carnitine, it doesn't make much difference as far as brand. It is used in sports and in body building, where it is also abused, but for thals, a dose from 800-2000 mg daily is sufficient.

Great! Many thanks, Andy!

@ Andy, sharmin n all ,
in last Echo. my LVEF was  64%  (normal range 50-70%) ,,, and cardiologist mentioned impared LV relaxation ..... can anyone please explain it ... ??                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

This is common in thals and due to iron load. You have addressed the high iron load you once had and have made great progress. Continue your good chelation program, but also make a point of getting foods that induce nitric oxide in your diet. A search on Google can give you plenty of ideas. Foods like watermelon and blueberries are excellent sources of NO. Adequate NO will promote normal elasticity in the heart and arteries. L-carnitine and L-arginie supplements are also of benefit.