Answered with 8 indexed sources.
Short answer
Ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement of how well the heart pumps blood, expressed as a percentage. It represents the volume of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. On an echocardiogram, EF is calculated by dividing the volume of blood pumped by the volume of blood in the left ventricle at the end of diastole (relaxation phase).
Evidence notes
The evidence suggests that ejection fraction is a critical measurement in echocardiogram results, with high-quality sources such as Mayo Clinic [1] and Cleveland Clinic [2] providing detailed explanations. The American Heart Association [3] and University of Maryland Medical System [4] also emphasize the importance of ejection fraction in determining heart function. While the sources may have slightly varying explanations, they all agree that ejection fraction is a key measurement in assessing heart health.
Safety boundary
There is no urgent or emergency medical concern associated with ejection fraction measurements. However, if you have concerns about your heart health or have questions about your specific results, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
[1]
High trust
An echocardiogram shows how blood flows through the heart and heart valves. Cardiac catheterization. A long, thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted in a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the heart. Images taken during this test can measure the ejection fraction of the heart.
[2]
High trust
Ejection fraction is a way of measuring how well your heart can pump blood. Learn about the normal range and the danger zone.
[3]
Medium trust
Ejection fraction is a measurement, expressed as a percentage, of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction
[4]
Medium trust
Heart ejection fraction is a measurement used to determine how effectively a person’s heart pumps blood. Learn how health care providers use this measurement.
[5]
General trust
The ejection fraction meaning represents the percentage of blood your left ventricle pumps out with each heartbeat, making it the single most critical measurement in echocardiogram results.
[6]
General trust
Ejection fraction (EF) is defined as the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle (LV) per heartbeat, calculated from the cavity volumes at end-diastole and end-systole. A normal EF ranges from 50% to 70%, with reduced EF under 40% indicating heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
[7]
General trust
Ejection fraction measures how much blood your heart pumps per beat. Learn more about what ejection fraction is with this guide from GoodRx.
[8]
General trust
Secure online booking. Results available within 24 hours. ... Ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement, expressed as a percentage, of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction.