What Is Ejection Fraction? Your Heart's Pumping Power Explained
Have you ever heard your doctor mention "EF" or "ejection fraction" after a heart test? Many patients in Rajkot and across Gujarat come across this term but are unsure what it means. Dr. Nikhila Pachani, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot, breaks it down in simple words.
What Does Ejection Fraction Mean?
Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood out to the rest of your body. Ejection fraction (EF) is the percentage of blood that is pushed out of the heart's main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) with each beat.
Think of it like this: if your heart is holding 100 ml of blood, and it pumps out 60 ml each beat, your EF is 60%.
A normal ejection fraction is between 55% and 70%. This means the heart is pumping efficiently and the body is getting a good supply of blood.
When Does EF Become a Problem?
If the EF falls below 40%, the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs. This condition is called Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF).
People with a low EF may experience:
- Breathlessness — especially during activity or while lying down
- Fatigue — feeling unusually tired even with light work
- Reduced ability to do daily tasks
It is important to know that heart failure does not always mean the heart has "stopped." It means the heart is struggling to pump as strongly as it should.
How Is a Low EF Detected?
The good news is that a low EF can be identified with a 2D Echocardiogram (2D Echo) — a non-invasive, comfortable ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart, allowing the doctor to measure how well it is pumping. No radiation is involved, and the test is done right in the clinic.
Early detection of a reduced EF gives doctors a chance to start the right treatment sooner, which can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.
What Should You Do?
If you or a family member has symptoms like unexplained breathlessness, swelling in the legs, or constant tiredness, do not ignore them. These could be signs that your heart needs attention.
If you have concerns about your heart's pumping function, consider booking a consultation with a qualified cardiologist for a proper evaluation.