Fractional shortening

[kirstinherbs]

What would a fractional shortening of 24.5% be in terms of ejection fraction?

How do you calculate ejection fraction from the fractional shortening? or is this terribly complicated?

Thanking you again

Kirstin

[JAMESFETT]

Hi Kirstin. Roughly, FS of 30 = EF 45 to 50. I would just do a proportional calculation: 24:30 = x:50

FS 24 = EF 40 %

JD

[reezlemom]

Is variability possible, or does EF and FS always closely correlate? For example, can someone have a higher or lower EF with that same FS of 24.5%?

[JAMESFETT]

There is not a perfect correlation, but it is close. And for any one person the correlation remains the same from tracing to tracing. Some areas of the world go just by FS. Some just by EF.

JD

[Miraclex2]

Dr Fett . I was just wondering about the fractional shortening also. When the EF and the FS dont seem to correlate like you say what could be the problem . I went for an echo today and I sort of peaked at the monitor and I saw a reading for FS of 12 . the tech told me she tentatively had EF readings of between . 34-37. When I tried to do the correlation EF would be round 18 with that FS. Is one of these nos incorrect and if so how do I know which one is correct.?

[JAMESFETT]

If your EF of 34 were correct, the comparable FS would be 20; if your FS of 12 were correct, the comparable EF would be 20. When there is not perfect concordance, I rely more on the EF because the FS reading can be swayed more by position of the echo sensor and the image on m-mode echo. Thus, I would be more confident of your EF reading and go from there for the future. Best wishes.

JD

[MissaBaby]

I am a year from DX and my echo from Wednesday showed an EF of 55% but a FS of 29---so, I guess I am still not recovered.....what's up with my FS, how come that doesn't seem to get much better? Dr. wants my to now stop Coreg altogether and in 6 months check an echo, if everything is good then stop the Altace and watch what happens......

[JAMESFETT]

I am reassured by your EF of 55 and not at all worried by your FS of 29. I would accept the EF as the better indicator. Are you now a full year post-diagnosis? We always continue the beta-blocker (either carvedilol or metoprolol-XL) for a full year following diagnosis, even if there is recovery (EF over 50). The reason for this is the anti-beta1-adrenergic antibodies that put the heart into " overdrive" and which linger for quite a long time after the development of PPCM. The beta-blockers counteract those antibodies. Because no one knows how long they stay around we play it safe by continuing the beta-blocker for at least one year, and we stop the ACE-I before the beta-blocker after return of normal, for that very reason. Anyway, you are doing so well, congratulations!

JD