1. What is Ejection Fraction?

Ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement of the percentage of blood leaving the heart each time it contracts. It's an important indicator of heart health and function, particularly for the left ventricle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ejection fraction formula:

Where:

• \( EDV \) — End-diastolic volume (ml)
• \( ESV \) — End-systolic volume (ml)

Explanation: The equation calculates what percentage of the total blood volume in the left ventricle is pumped out with each heartbeat.

3. Importance of EF Calculation

Details: EF is crucial for diagnosing heart failure, assessing heart function after myocardial infarction, and monitoring response to cardiac treatments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter EDV and ESV in milliliters (ml). Both values must be positive numbers, and EDV must be greater than ESV for a valid calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal ejection fraction?
A: A normal EF is typically between 50-70%. Below 40% may indicate heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Q2: How is EF measured clinically?
A: Common methods include echocardiography, cardiac MRI, nuclear medicine scans, and cardiac catheterization.

Q3: What causes low ejection fraction?
A: Causes include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, heart valve problems, and long-term uncontrolled hypertension.

Q4: Can EF be too high?
A: Yes, EF >75% may indicate conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or hyperdynamic circulation.

Q5: Does EF change over time?
A: EF can improve with treatment in some cases, or worsen with disease progression in others.