Ejection fraction

Ejection Fraction is a measurement, expressed as a percentage, of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. An ejection fraction of 60 percent means that 60 percent of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle is pushed out with each heartbeat. This measurement is used by physicians to determine how well your heart is pumping out blood and to diagnose and track heart failure.

Normal Ejection Fraction

A normal ejection fraction is between 50 and 70 percent. This means that 50 to 70 percent of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle is pumped out with each heartbeat.

Low Ejection Fraction

A low ejection fraction is a sign of heart failure and is usually below 40 percent. This means that less than 40 percent of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle is pumped out with each heartbeat. A low ejection fraction can be a sign of several different heart conditions, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy.

High Ejection Fraction

A high ejection fraction is usually above 75 percent. This can be a sign of a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can cause the heart muscle to become thickened and less able to relax and fill with blood.

Measurement of Ejection Fraction

Ejection fraction is usually measured during an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. Other tests that can measure ejection fraction include a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, a CT (computed tomography) scan, or a nuclear medicine scan known as a MUGA (multigated acquisition) scan.

Treatment for Abnormal Ejection Fraction

Treatment for an abnormal ejection fraction depends on the underlying cause. For example, medications can be used to treat heart failure and improve ejection fraction. In some cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed.

See Also

• Heart Failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Echocardiogram
• MRI
• CT Scan
• MUGA Scan