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 during each cardiac cycle to its end-diastolic volume. So, what is the normal range for cardiac EF?

What is the normal range for cardiac EF?

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 per beat—to end-diastolic volume. An EF value below 50% suggests heart failure. EF is a critical indicator 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% indicates 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 typically measured using the biplane Simpson’s method, which calculates the ratio of ventricular stroke volume to end-diastolic volume—thereby reflecting ventricular systolic (ejection) function from a volumetric perspective. EF specifically reflects the contractile pumping capacity of the ventricles. Greater myocardial contractility results in higher stroke volume and, consequently, a higher ejection fraction. Thus, in patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction is significantly reduced. In certain special clinical scenarios, right ventricular or left atrial ejection fractions may also be assessed.

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