ejection fraction
The percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat, commonly used as a measure of cardiac function.
Full Definition
Ejection fraction is a key cardiac parameter measuring the percentage of blood volume ejected from the left ventricle during systole. In cardiovascular research, it serves as a primary endpoint for heart failure studies and a stratification variable for patient enrollment. Normal values typically range from 55-70%, with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) defined as ≤40%. Editors should ensure consistent notation (EF% or as a decimal) throughout manuscripts and verify appropriate reference ranges are cited.
Usage
Usage note: Specify left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) when precision is needed. Ensure consistent units (percentage vs. decimal) throughout document.
In Context
- "Patients with ejection fraction below 35% were eligible for device therapy evaluation." — Clinical trial inclusion criteria
- "The intervention group showed a mean improvement in ejection fraction of 8.3 percentage points." — Results section