Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

This article focuses on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Doctors use this important measurement to assess and diagnose heart failure. Let's start!

What Is Ejection Fraction?

Ejection fraction measures the amount of blood pumped out from the heart's lower chambers, called ventricles. Two types exist:

1. Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) measures how much oxygen-rich blood the left ventricle pumps into the arteries. These arteries supply blood to important organs, muscles, and tissues. The normal left ventricular ejection fraction range is between 55% and 66%. Doctors often consider a left ventricular ejection fraction of 60 to 65% normal.
2. The right Ventricular Ejection Fraction is the percentage of deoxygenated blood the right ventricle sends to the lungs. They send this blood for oxygenation.

Doctors typically refer to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) when discussing "ejection fraction." A normal left ventricular ejection fraction usually falls between 55% and 66%. Suppose the left ventricular ejection fraction is 50% or below. In that case, it may indicate systolic heart failure, also known as heart failure, with reduced ejection fraction.

However, heart failure can still occur even if your left ventricular ejection fraction is above 50%. In these cases, the problem is with the heart's relaxation phase, known as diastole. This can cause a condition called diastolic heart failure or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Additionally, a left ventricular ejection fraction above 70% could suggest a heart condition like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms of Low Ejection Fraction

Allow left ventricular ejection fraction (below 50%) indicates heart failure. This means the heart isn't pumping enough blood into the arteries, leading to a reduced blood supply to organs. It also causes blood to back up in the lungs, which results in additional complications.

Common Symptoms of Low LVEF:

1. Shortness of breath 
2. Mental confusion 
3. Pale or bluish skin 
4. Swelling in the abdomen, feet, and legs 
5. Weight gain (from fluid build-up) 
6. Loss of appetite 
7. Coughing and wheezing 

Treatment for Low Ejection Fraction

Cardiologists use different tests to diagnose low left ventricular ejection fraction. They also learn what causes it. These tests include an echocardiogram, ECG, and chest X-ray. Treatment depends on the underlying condition affecting LVEF.

Primary treatments for low left ventricular ejection fraction include medications like:

1. Digoxin (to strengthen the heart's contractions)
2. Beta-blockers (to reduce the heart's workload)
3. Diuretics (to reduce fluid build-up in the body)

Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes. These can include losing weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. These changes can help improve left ventricular ejection fraction values. It's also recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking.

In Conclusion

Allow left ventricular ejection fraction is a key indicator of systolic heart failure and can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath and fluid build-up in the body. Suppose you have been diagnosed with a low ejection fraction. In that case, it's essential to consult your doctor to explore your treatment options.

Dr. Deep Chandh Raja is an experienced cardiologist in Chennai specializing in cardiac electrophysiology. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction or other heart conditions, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr Deep Chandh Raja today.