What is a left ventricular ejection fraction?

A left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a critical measurement used to assess the heart's pumping efficiency, specifically focusing on the left ventricle, which is the chamber of the heart responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. The ejection fraction quantifies the proportion of blood that is ejected from the left ventricle during each heartbeat.

To clarify, the ejection fraction is expressed as a percentage, calculated by taking the volume of blood pumped out of the left ventricle in one contraction (the stroke volume) and dividing it by the total volume of blood in the left ventricle before it contracts (the end-diastolic volume). A normal ejection fraction is typically between 55% and 70%, indicating that the heart is functioning properly and efficiently.

Understanding ejection fraction is crucial because it helps identify heart conditions such as heart failure or cardiomyopathy, where the heart may not pump effectively. A reduced ejection fraction can signify that the heart muscle is weakened or damaged, which can lead to significant health issues.

This option accurately describes the left ventricular ejection fraction as it relates directly to the heart's function and is integral to cardiovascular health assessments.