How to assess heart function?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently had a cardiac MRI. My cardiac index is 2.3, and my ejection fractions are 56, 47, and 67 percent. Do these ejection fractions seem normal? Is my cardiac index low? I experience an increased heart rate during exercise and pain in my left arm.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The cardiac index is slightly on the lower side, but two of the ejection fractions are normal. Normal ejection fraction is typically above 55 percent. Since two out of the three readings are normal, we can consider your heart function to be normal. As the heart function appears normal, the cardiac index becomes less significant. So overall, I do not think there is anything to worry about. You must have also had an echocardiogram, which is a direct indicator of ejection fraction. If the echo also shows a normal ejection fraction, it confirms normal heart function. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is more important for identifying other conditions like fibrosis, fatty changes, or late gadolinium enhancement. If any of these are present, further evaluation may be needed.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Stroke volume is supranormal, and cardiac output is normal, which is excellent. A supranormal stroke volume can be seen in bradycardia, which might have been induced during the MRI scan to improve image quality. So, there is nothing to worry about.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.