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Ejection Fraction, EF, 2D Echo Color Doppler |
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Ejection Fraction is nothing but your Heart Blood Pumping Capacity. To Find out Ejection Fraction (EF%), you have to do 2D Echo Cardiogram with Colour Doppler test.
Ejection Fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of heart during each time its contracts. When your heart contracts, it ejects blood from the two pumping chambers (ventricles). When your heart relaxes, the ventricles refill with blood
The left ventricle is the heart's main pumping chamber, ejection fraction is usually measured only in the left ventricle (LV). A normal LV ejection fraction is 55 to 70 percent. |
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Ejection fraction can be measured with imaging techniques, including: |
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EF indicates to the percentage of blood pumped out of heart chamber during each heat beat (systole). EF or LVEF (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) refers to a measurement of the left ventricle (the lower left chamber of the heart), which pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the body through the aorta.
EF can be measured with the help of 2D ECHO with Colour Doppler test.
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Echocardiogram. During an echocardiogram, sound waves are used to produce images of your heart and the blood pumping through your heart.
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Cardiac catheterization [ Angiogram ]. During cardiac catheterization, a thin, plastic tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein in the arm or leg and then moved to the heart — most likely the left ventricle. Using images taken during the catheterization, your doctor can see how your blood pumps through your heart. |
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Ejection Fraction Ranges |
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| Ejection Fraction Range |
Results |
| 50-75% |
Normal |
| 36-49% |
Below Normal |
| 35% and Below |
Dangerous and Patient carries HIGH RISK of SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST. |
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An Ejection Fraction above 50 percent indicates that your heart is pumping normally and able to deliver an adequate supply of blood to your body and brain. |
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An Ejection Fraction that falls below 50 percent could indicate that the heart is no longer pumping efficiently and not able to meet the body's needs. |
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An Ejection Fraction of 35 percent or less indicates a weakened heart muscle and that the heart is pumping poorly, which can significantly increase a person's risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). |
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Recent medical research shows that people with an Ejection Fraction of 35% or lower may be at increased risk of SCA. If you have a low Ejection Fraction, your heart doctor may prescribe medications; recommend change in the life style and diet or may suggest other therapies.
A low ejection fraction may result from some kind of Cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened or stiffened. Low EF is an important risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD), a condition that occurs when the heart stops abruptly (cardiac arrest), usually as a result of ventricular fibrillation. Patients with a low EF are significantly more likely to suffer sudden cardiac death within two years than patients with a normal ejection fraction. |
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