Can A 27 Year Old Male Live With 15 Percent Heart Function? Took Over Dosage Of Opiate

Posted on Fri, 10 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 Answered on

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Can a 27 year old male live with 15 percent heart function? he had an opiate overdose & long term abuse?

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (29 minutes later)

Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
Heart function 15 % means severely decreased ejection fraction.
Opiate overdose inhibits respiratory and cardiac center in medulla oblongata.
Other symptoms and signs opiate overdose include: decreased level of consciousness, pinpoint pupils, seizures and muscle spasms, hypothermia, stupor or coma.
If not treated rapidly, respiratory depression, cardiorespiratory arrest, and death may occur.
Naloxone is very effective reversing the cause, rather than just the symptoms, of an opioid overdose.
A longer-acting variant is naltrexone, is primarily meant to treat opioid dependence.
You should also consult with physician and drug deaddiction center.
Put your query if you have.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (6 hours later)

I understand all the information that you posted above but you still didnt answer my question? Can he live and survive on 15% heart function ( ejection fraction) and if so what does he need? Pacemaker, defribilator?

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (4 hours later)

Hi,
Its very difficult to survive with 15 % heart function. If his low heart function is due to opiate overdose then try to stop taking opiates.
Pacemaker is required if low heart function is due to decreased heart rate and pacemaker is required to increase the rate/ or maintain heart rate.
Defibrillator is required if life threatening arrhythmias are present (in emergency condition).
Sincerely,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar