LVEF
Also written as: LVEF — left ventricular ejection fraction
Left ventricular ejection fraction - percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
Full Definition
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a key measurement of cardiac systolic function, representing the percentage of blood volume ejected from the left ventricle during systole relative to the total end-diastolic volume. Normal LVEF ranges from 55-70%, with values below 40% indicating significant systolic dysfunction and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). LVEF is most commonly measured using echocardiography, though cardiac MRI, nuclear imaging, and cardiac catheterization can also provide accurate assessments. This parameter guides therapeutic decisions, including medication selection, device implantation, and surgical interventions. Changes in LVEF over time help monitor disease progression and treatment response in various cardiac conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Always express as percentage; distinguish from right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF).
In Context
- "Echocardiography demonstrated severely reduced LVEF of 25% with global hypokinesis." — Cardiac imaging report
- "The patient's LVEF improved from 35% to 50% following optimal medical therapy." — Heart failure clinic follow-up