Ejection Fraction

The ejection fraction, or EF, refers to the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. Ejection fraction is an important measure of how well your heart muscle is functioning. Your cardiologist can measure your ejection fraction with several types of tests. The results of the tests can help determine the amount of heart failure and the best course of treatment.

If a low ejection fraction is left untreated, it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which has a 95% mortality-rate. A low ejection fraction may be caused by an underlying condition such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or heart failure. The treatment plan often includes lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor may also recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator often called an ICD.