About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Ejection Fraction (EF)
Introduction
Ejection fraction (EF) is a key measurement used in cardiology to assess how well the heart pumps blood with each beat. It is expressed as a percentage and represents the proportion of blood pumped out of the left ventricle during each contraction.
Normal and Abnormal Values
- Normal EF : 50-70%
- Borderline EF : 41-49% (may indicate early heart dysfunction)
- Reduced EF : Below 40% (can be a sign of heart failure or cardiomyopathy)
How is EF Measured?
Ejection fraction is commonly measured through imaging techniques such as:
- Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the heart) – the most widely used test
- Cardiac MRI – provides a detailed image of the heart
- Nuclear Medicine Tests (MUGA scan) – measures EF using radioactive tracers
- Cardiac Catheterization (Ventriculogram) – invasive test used in some cases
Causes of Reduced Ejection Fraction
A low ejection fraction can result from various heart conditions, including:
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) – reduced blood supply to heart muscle
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – damages heart tissue
- Cardiomyopathy – diseases that affect heart muscle function
- Valvular heart disease – improper functioning of heart valves
Symptoms of Low Ejection Fraction
A low EF can lead to symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in the legs and ankles (edema)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty exercising
Treatment Approaches
Management depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Medications
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs – to relax blood vessels and reduce heart strain
- Beta-blockers – to slow heart rate and improve function
- Diuretics – to remove excess fluid and reduce symptoms
- Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) – to decrease heart stress
- SGLT2 inhibitors – new drugs shown to benefit heart failure patients
Devices and Surgery
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) – prevents sudden cardiac death
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) – improves heart efficiency
- Heart transplant – only in severe cases
Lifestyle Changes
- Following a heart-healthy diet (low salt, balanced nutrients)
- Regular physical activity (as recommended by a doctor)
- Managing risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol)
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
Conclusion
Ejection fraction is an important indicator of heart health. If you have a low EF, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and prognosis. Consult a cardiologist to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.