What Diagnostic Test Can Be Done To Evaluate Heart Function?

Posted on Fri, 17 Jun 2016

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

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband,74yrs old, was to have surgery for a very bad sore on his buttocks . As they were giving him Meds to put him under he had a heart attack and his heart stopped. They of course could not do surgery. They said his heart is functioning at 10% and will probably have another heart attack and die. My question is his oxygen level is 97% and his heart sounds could when nurse listens to it. He's in a nursing home but was there before this. I'm thinking they must be wrong about his heart function at 10%. Can it be that Low and still have good oxygen levels. Thank you so much.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

If the doctors have done a cardiac echo then his heart function may be as low as 10%. Cardiac echo is an accurate examination to evaluate heart function. Moreover heart function may be as low as 10% even if blood oxygen is 97%.

Wish you and your family health!
Dr. Shehu
p.s: If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Thank you so much.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are mostly welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
You are mostly welcome to contact me again.
P.s: If you are satisfied with my answer please close this query and rate it to maximum.
Dr. Shehu

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