LVEF
Also written as: LVEF — Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
A key cardiac function measurement expressed as a percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
Full Definition
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction is a critical measurement in cardiovascular research that quantifies the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle during each cardiac cycle. Normal LVEF ranges from 50-70%, with reduced LVEF (typically <40%) indicating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This metric is fundamental in clinical trials assessing cardiac function, therapeutic efficacy, and patient outcomes. LVEF is measured through various imaging modalities including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and nuclear imaging studies.
Usage
Usage note: Always express as a percentage; distinguish from RVEF (right ventricular ejection fraction) in manuscripts.
In Context
- "The primary endpoint was change in LVEF from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment." — Clinical trial protocol
- "Patients with LVEF <35% despite optimal medical therapy were enrolled in the device trial." — Study inclusion criteria