Measuring Ejection Fraction: Deciphering the Outcomes
Measuring the ejection fraction (EF) is crucial in assessing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, particularly in conditions like heart failure. This article explores common methods for measuring EF, its significance, and strategies for improving EF in cases of abnormal results.
Ejection fraction refers to the percentage of blood that the heart, specifically the left ventricle, pumps out during a contraction. A normal ejection fraction, as defined by the American Heart Association, ranges between 50-70%. A high ejection fraction (greater than 70%) may indicate a heart condition such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, while a low ejection fraction (40% or under) is a sign of heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
Common methods for measuring EF include echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac catheterization, and radionuclide ventriculography (MUGA scan).
Echocardiography, one of the most common non-invasive methods, provides quick and valuable insights into cardiac structure and function. It includes conventional echocardiography and advanced techniques like two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) for assessing left ventricular function. CMR is considered the gold standard for measuring EF due to its high accuracy and ability to provide detailed images of the heart's structure and function.
Improving EF in cases of abnormal results generally involves managing underlying conditions and improving cardiac function through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet low in salt and high in essential nutrients, and stress reduction can support heart health. In severe cases, surgical interventions or the use of devices like pacemakers may be necessary to restore normal heart rhythm and improve function.
In cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), managing symptoms and comorbidities is crucial since there are no specific treatments for this condition. Addressing contributing factors like chronic inflammation and ensuring proper management of comorbid conditions can help improve overall cardiac function.
For people with heart failure, general recommendations include limiting salt intake, managing fluid intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a moderate weight, avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drug use, managing stress, and identifying and treating possible causes of heart failure.
In conclusion, understanding ejection fraction is essential in maintaining heart health. A low ejection fraction could indicate a heart condition, and a person whose ejection fraction is outside of the normal range may require treatment for the underlying condition. Regular check-ups and adherence to a heart-healthy lifestyle can help ensure optimal heart function.
- The ejection fraction (EF), which is the percentage of blood pumped out by the left ventricle during a contraction, can be a crucial indicator of heart failure or cardiomyopathy, as a low EF (40% or under) might suggest.
- Common techniques for measuring EF include echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac catheterization, and radionuclide ventriculography (MUGA scan), with echocardiography being one of the most commonly used non-invasive methods.
- When abnormal results are observed, improving EF often involves managing underlying medical conditions and enhancing cardiac function through lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction, and, in severe cases, surgical interventions or the use of devices like pacemakers.
- For individuals with heart failure, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle by limiting salt intake, managing fluid intake, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drug use, among other recommendations, can contribute to optimal heart function and help manage symptoms associated with heart failure.
