Understanding Normal Ejection Fraction

Introduction

Ejection Fraction (EF) is a crucial measurement of how well your heart is pumping blood. It represents the percentage of blood that is ejected from the left ventricle during each heartbeat. A normal EF indicates that your heart is functioning efficiently.

Normal Ejection Fraction Values

• Normal EF: 50-70%
• Below Normal EF: 40-49% (Mild dysfunction)
• Reduced EF: Below 40% (Heart failure with reduced EF)
• Above Normal EF: Above 70% (Could indicate hypertrophy or other conditions)

Why is EF Important?

EF helps doctors assess heart health and is an essential parameter in diagnosing heart failure and cardiomyopathies. A normal EF suggests that the heart is adequately supplying oxygenated blood to the body tissues.

Can You Have Heart Problems with a Normal EF?

Yes, conditions like Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) can occur even when EF is within the normal range. HFpEF is associated with poor relaxation of the heart, leading to congestion and symptoms of heart failure despite normal pumping function.

What Influences Ejection Fraction?

Several factors can affect EF, including: - High blood pressure (Hypertension) - Coronary artery disease (Blockages in arteries) - Valvular heart disease - Cardiomyopathies - Arrhythmias

How is Ejection Fraction Measured?

EF is most commonly measured via echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) but can also be assessed using MRI, cardiac CT, or nuclear medicine scans .

How to Maintain a Healthy Ejection Fraction?

• Healthy Diet: Low in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods
• Regular Exercise: Moderate aerobic activity
• Blood Pressure Control: Keeping hypertension under control
• Managing Conditions: Controlling diabetes, cholesterol, and other risk factors
• Regular Check-ups: Monitoring heart health with a cardiologist if needed

Conclusion

A normal EF is a sign of good heart function, but it does not rule out heart disease entirely. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling , consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure

1. https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
3. https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
4. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
5. https://cvquality.acc.org/accreditation/services/HF

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
5. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines

3. American Heart Association Recommendations for Echocardiography

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/echocardiogram-echo
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.95.6.1686
3. https://www.asecho.org/guidelines-search/
4. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/transesophageal-echocardiography-tee
5. https://www.asecho.org/