Simply put, ejection fraction refers to the percentage of blood pumped out of your heart's left ventricle with each contraction. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body, so it plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health.

To determine ejection fraction, doctors use an echocardiogram, a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of your heart. During this test, the technician measures the amount of blood in your left ventricle both before and after a heartbeat. The difference between these two volumes is divided by the total volume of blood in the ventricle to calculate the ejection fraction.

A normal ejection fraction typically falls between 50% and 70%. This means that during each heartbeat, around half to two-thirds of the blood in the left ventricle is forcefully pumped out to the rest of the body. If your ejection fraction is lower than 50%, it may indicate that your heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should.

A reduced ejection fraction is often a sign of heart failure, a condition that occurs when your heart is unable to effectively pump blood. Heart failure can have various causes, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart valve problems, or certain heart muscle diseases.

Alternatively, some individuals may have a higher ejection fraction, which is typically above 70%. While a high ejection fraction may initially sound positive, extremely high values can be a concern as they may suggest an overworked heart or a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle.

It's important to note that ejection fraction is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to assessing heart health. Other factors such as symptoms, medical history, and additional tests are taken into consideration to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

If your ejection fraction falls outside the normal range, your doctor may recommend further testing and treatment options. Medications, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures such as implantable cardiac devices or surgery may be prescribed to improve your heart function and quality of life.

It is worth mentioning that ejection fraction can vary over time and may be affected by factors such as medications, overall health, and lifestyle choices. Regular follow-up appointments and ongoing monitoring are essential to ensure that your heart is functioning optimally.

In conclusion, ejection fraction is a crucial measurement used to assess the health of your heart. Understanding what the numbers mean can help you and your healthcare team make informed decisions about your cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your ejection fraction or heart function, it is always best to consult with a medical professional who can provide you with personalized advice and guidance.