ANSWERS: 1
-
You should clarify if the heart rate is too slow or the heart function is decreased. If the heart function is decreased or there is a low ejection fraction (EF), this can be serious. A low EF can be caused by systemic illness, persistent rapid heart beats, long standing high blood pressure, or most commonly damage to the heart muscle, possibly by a heart attack. Your family member needs to see a cardiologist and will need a series of tests to determine why this happened. Medications and sometimes restoring the blood flow, if there are blocked arteries can improve the EF. In cases where the damage is irreversible an implanted defibrillator may be recommended. A low EF can be associated with a poor long term prognosis but can be easily improved if the right action is taken
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

by 