What is ejection fraction?
Ejection fraction, or EF, is the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each beat. An EF of 60% means about 60% of the blood in that chamber leaves during a contraction. It does not mean your heart is only working at 60% of its capacity. Source: American Heart Association: ejection fraction (opens in a new tab).
What is a normal ejection fraction?
The American Heart Association describes a normal EF as 55% to 70%. A result outside that range needs interpretation in context. The number does not tell you, by itself, the cause of a problem or which treatment to use. Source: American Heart Association: ejection fraction (opens in a new tab).
Can you have heart failure with a normal EF?
Yes. In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, often shortened to HFpEF, the heart can have difficulty relaxing and filling. A preserved percentage does not rule out heart failure. Source: American Heart Association: ejection fraction (opens in a new tab).
A heart-failure diagnosis draws on your history, examination, and tests. Your clinician may use blood tests and imaging along with EF to understand the whole picture. Source: NHLBI: diagnosing heart failure (opens in a new tab).
What should I look for in my report?
For an educational review, keep the complete report and its date, not just a screenshot of the EF number. Put it beside the clinic note that explains the plan. If you already have an older report, include it when relevant; do not arrange a new test just for this service.
A useful way to organize the page is to separate what the report states from what you still need your treating team to explain. For example: “The report lists an EF of ___. I want to understand how that relates to the plan in my visit note.”
Questions to ask about your EF
- What does this EF mean alongside my symptoms and other findings?
- What type of heart failure, if any, is documented in my records?
- Is there an earlier result that helps put this one in context?
- What is the purpose of each part of the plan?
- What follow-up have you recommended, and whom should I contact with concerns?
Want help understanding your own records?
Our $350 educational review focuses on one cardiology question and up to 40 relevant pages. It includes a 30-minute conversation, a written explanation, and questions for your treating team. Available to eligible adults in New York.
Use the records checklist