What is EF? Muga? Echocardiogram?
An (EF) ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of a heart chamber during the contraction phase of each heartbeat ( systole). The term typically refers to a measurement of the left ventricle (the lower left chamber of the heart), which pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the body through the aorta. An ejection fraction can also be measured in the right ventricle (the lower right chamber), which pumps blood returning from the body to the lungs for oxygen. However, this measurement is nearly always referred to as a right ventricular ejection fraction.
Even in a healthy heart, some blood always remains within the heart chambers after each heartbeat. Therefore an ejection fraction is a percentage of the blood within the chamber that is pumped out with every heartbeat. Normally, the left ventricle pumps 55 to 75 percent of the blood within that chamber out to the body with each heartbeat.
An ejection fraction is most commonly measured during an echocardiogram. This painless and noninvasive test uses high-frequency sound waves ( ultrasound) to get a picture of the four heart chambers and the four heart valves. An ejection fraction can also be measured as part of other diagnostic testing, such as: - MUGA scan. A type of radionuclide imaging test that provides clear pictures of blood flow through the heart’s chambers and blood vessels.
- Echocardiography. This test uses sound waves to visualize structures within the heart. It has the advantage of being noninvasive and relatively accessible.
For more information here is the link:
http://heart.health.ivillage.com/hea...nfraction2.cfm
I certainly found this informative for us on Herceptin. Best to all of you.
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Aug06...Dx Age 50, IDC Left Breast, 6+/16 lymph nodes, Stg 3, ER+/PR+/HER2+
Sep06-Jan07...Mediport. Chemo: AC x 4, T x 4
Dec06-Nov07...Herceptin
Feb12,2007...Surg MRM Left & SM Right, reconstruct w/expanders
Mar07-Jun07...Saline Exp
Jun07...Start Tamoxifen
Jun07-Aug07...Rad x 25
Jun07-Oct07...Persistent fevers-unknown origin
Jun07-Nov07...PT for Severe PMPS & Capsular Contracture
Nov07...Surg Capsulectomy, Gel Implants, PMPS pain gone instantly.
Feb08...NED 1st CANCERVERSARY!!!!!
Feb08...2 months post surgery Caps Cont again :(
Mar08...Stop Tamoxifen. Start Arimidex.
Apr08...Sudden high fever, Hosp ICU 10 days, staph infect, emerg surg, implants removed. Outpt IVantibiotics Daily x 6 weeks
Feb11...NED 5th CANCERVERSARY!!!!!
Feb12...NED 6th CANCERVERSARY!!!!!
Aug12...Spotting. Surg=D&C
Sep12...STAGE IV = RARE BC METS TO UTERUS ILC ER+/PR+/HER2-Negative) (Different BC than originally diagnosed = IDC ER+/PR+/HER2+).
Sep12...Stop Arimidex. Start Afinitor & Aromasin.
Jan13...MRI = no progression no reduction
Apr13...Progression. Stop Afinitor & Aromasin.
Apr13...Start Chemo: Taxol & Carboplatin.
Nov13...Scans & Pelvic 95+% Reduction. Nueropathy>Stop chemo start Fareston.
Jan14...PET scan = no progression stable.
May14...Pelvic > Bleeding & cramps. TMs up.
May14...PET scan = uterine progression :(
May14...Stop Fareston. Start Chemo: Xeloda.
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