Question 1

I'm trying to understand why my ejection fraction is higher than normal. It's at 82, whereas previously it was 70 according to another report. Should I be worried about this change? What could cause such an increase in ejection fraction?

Accepted Answer

An ejection fraction of 82% is considered higher than normal and may indicate a condition such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is important to follow up with your cardiologist for further evaluation and management. In some cases, medications like Metoprolol (Toprol XL) may be prescribed to help lower the heart rate and improve heart function. The dosage will depend on your specific condition and needs.

Question 2

I'm 29 years old and I've noticed that my resting heart rate is usually between 50 and 60. However, sometimes when I check it in the morning right after getting up, it shows numbers like 46 to 48. During a 2 km run, my heart rate shoots up to 160 or 170, and while walking, it's around 90 to 120. My ECG results have all come back normal, so Im wondering if my low resting heart rate is something I should be concerned about. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

A resting heart rate between 50 to 60 beats per minute is considered normal for adults, especially for individuals who are physically active. It can be a sign of good cardiovascular fitness. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath along with the low heart rate, it is important to consult a doctor for further evaluation. Since your ECG reports are normal, the low resting heart rate is likely due to your good physical fitness level. During exercise, it is normal for the heart rate to increase significantly, as you mentioned reaching 160-170 beats per minute while running. This response is expected and shows that your heart is able to adapt and meet the increased demand for oxygen during physical activity. Overall, based on the information provided, your heart rate variations seem to be within normal ranges for someone who is physically active and with normal ECG results.

Question 3

Every time I smoke weed, I start feeling this pain in my left shoulder and arm. It began in early February, and I've been smoking marijuana since January 2016. I know I have generalized anxiety disorder, and I'm anxious about heart attacks because I heard weed can speed up heart rate. I've been to doctors many times and had several EKGs, Cardiac Enzyme Tests, and even a resting Electrocardiogram. They all said my heart's fine, and so did my cardiologist, though I never mentioned my weed use to them. The pain sometimes happens when I'm not high, but it definitely seems worse when I am. I get really in my head about this stuff when I'm high. Im aware that sudden heart attacks from weed are super rare and that lots of people over 50 use it, but I'd still like some advice on how to feel more at ease. I'm a 17-year-old male, not very active, weighing 240 lbs, and my resting heart rate is between 65 and 80 BPM.

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing musculoskeletal pain exacerbated by your anxiety when using marijuana. Given your history of generalized anxiety disorder and the fact that your shoulder and arm pain worsens when you smoke weed, it's important to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your symptoms. To help alleviate your symptoms and manage your anxiety, I recommend trying over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your shoulder and arm pain. Additionally, considering your anxiety, you may benefit from therapy or counseling to address your worries and fears related to using marijuana. In terms of your anxiety about heart issues, it's reassuring that your cardiac tests have come back normal. However, it's essential to consider the impact of marijuana on your symptoms. To address your concerns about heart health while using marijuana, you may want to consider reducing or avoiding its use. It's also crucial to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet, to support your overall well-being. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Remember, taking care of your physical and mental health is essential. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out for support.

More Cardiology Health Queries

I'm trying to understand why my ejection fraction is higher than normal. It's at 82, whereas previously it was 70 according to another report. Should I be worried about this change? What could cause such an increase in ejection fraction?

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