What is the normal value for cardiac ejection fraction (EF)?

EF refers to the left ventricular ejection fraction—the ratio of the volume of blood pumped by the left ventricle per cardiac cycle to its end-diastolic volume. So, what is the normal EF value for cardiac function?

What is the normal EF value for cardiac function?

The normal range for cardiac EF is 50%–70%. Cardiac EF (ejection fraction) represents the ratio of stroke volume—the amount of blood ejected by the heart in one contraction—to end-diastolic volume. An EF value below 50% indicates heart failure. EF is a critical parameter for assessing cardiac function. Patients with heart failure can be classified into two main types: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Specifically, an EF ≥50% defines HFpEF. Common symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath upon exertion, severe coughing with pink frothy sputum, and orthopnea (breathlessness while lying flat).

On echocardiography, EF is measured using the biplane Simpson’s method, representing the ratio of ventricular stroke volume to end-diastolic volume. This metric reflects ventricular systolic pumping function from the perspective of ventricular volume. EF directly reflects the contractile (systolic) pump function of the ventricles: stronger myocardial contractility leads to greater stroke volume and thus a higher ejection fraction. Consequently, in patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction is markedly reduced. In certain special clinical situations, right ventricular or left atrial ejection fractions may also be assessed.

Additionally, individuals experiencing symptoms should seek prompt medical evaluation and follow their physician’s recommendations for appropriate management. We hope this information has been helpful!