if a patients EF number is 33 what is the reason for implanting a defibrillator in them?
Hi Defibrillator,
Good question.
People with congestive heart failure should have a defibrillator implanted because they are at higher risk of dying from a sudden cardiac death due to an arrhythmia. A defibrillator sends a shock of electricity to your heart to get it to beat in a more regularly. The decision by your doctor to suggest a defibrillator is guided by fairly recent studies in the medical literature.
Heart failure patients are more likely to get arrhythmias because their heart tissue has areas of scarring from poor blood supply and other causes. These scars interfere with the normal electrical signals that cause the heart contract in the organized fashion necessary to pump blood.
Just to note, it is not only the ejection fraction in heart failure that guides doctors when to implant a defibrillator in your heart. Things like exercise tolerance, shortness of breath and lifestyle also effect their decisions.
To your health,
Neil MD
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Hi T,
I just reread my post and realized I addressed you incorrectly. My apologies!
To your health again,
Neil MD
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