In terms of cardiovascular health, what does "ejection fraction" refer to?

"Ejection fraction" specifically refers to the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the ventricles with each heartbeat. It is an important measurement used in cardiology to assess the heart's efficiency and overall function.

Ejection fraction is typically calculated by taking the stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction) and dividing it by the end-diastolic volume (the total volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of filling before contraction), then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage. A normal ejection fraction ranges from 55% to 70%, indicating how well the heart is pumping blood.

Understanding ejection fraction is crucial for diagnosing and managing various heart conditions, including heart failure and cardiomyopathy. It provides insight into how well the heart is functioning to supply blood to the body, as lower percentages indicate poorer heart function and potential cardiovascular issues.