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Question:

How does one find out if the heart is not pumping sufficiently?

How does a patient find out if a heart is not pumping sufficient blood to vital organs?

submitted by Vincent from Newark, New Jersey on 12/29/2012

Answer:

by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Atasu Nayak, MD    

Thanks for the question. Heart pumping function can be found out by tests such as an echocardiogram which will address left ventricular ejection fraction.

A patient may or may not have symptoms of low heart function. Usual symptoms are tiredness, easy fatigability, exertional shortness of breath and dizziness. Again, symptoms and signs may vary, depending on organ involvement from low cardiac output. Please see your cardiologist and discuss it.

See also on this site:  

• What is a Cardiologist?
• Echocardiogram     
• Heart Information Center 

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Updated January 2013