Ejection Fraction: What It Is and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever heard a doctor say your ejection fraction (EF) is 55%, you probably wondered what that number really means. In plain terms, EF is the percentage of blood your left ventricle pumps out with each beat. A healthy heart usually pushes 55% to 70% of its blood volume, while lower numbers can signal heart problems.

Knowing your EF helps doctors decide if you have heart failure, whether a medication is working, or if you need more intensive treatment. It’s a quick snapshot of how well your heart is squeezing, and it guides many treatment choices.

What Is Ejection Fraction?

Ejection fraction is measured during an echocardiogram, a painless ultrasound that visualizes heart chambers. The technician tracks the size of the left ventricle at the end of filling (diastole) and at the end of squeezing (systole). The formula is simple: EF = (stroke volume ÷ end‑diastolic volume) × 100.

Typical categories look like this:

• Normal: 55%‑70%
• Mildly reduced: 45%‑54%
• Moderately reduced: 30%‑44%
• Severely reduced: below 30%

Even a small drop from 60% to 50% can matter if you have other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. That’s why doctors keep an eye on EF over time.

How to Improve and Monitor Your EF

First, follow any medication plan your doctor prescribes. ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers, and certain diuretics are proven to boost EF by reducing the heart’s workload.

Second, lifestyle changes make a real difference. Regular aerobic exercise—like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming—strengthens the heart muscle and can raise EF by a few points. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.

Third, watch your diet. Cutting back on sodium, limiting processed foods, and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins helps control blood pressure, which protects EF.

Finally, keep up with follow‑up tests. An annual echo or, if you have a known condition, a scan every 6‑12 months lets you see trends. Some clinics also use cardiac MRI or nuclear scans for a more detailed view.

Remember, EF is just one piece of the puzzle. Symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, or fatigue should always be discussed with your doctor, even if your EF looks okay.

Bottom line: understanding your ejection fraction gives you a clear metric of heart health. By staying on medication, exercising, eating smart, and monitoring regularly, you can keep that number in the healthy range and feel better day to day.