Understanding Ejection Fraction
Receiving a diagnosis of heart failure often means learning a new medical language, and one of the most important terms you'll encounter is ejection fraction (EF). You likely have many questions: What does this number mean? What is a "normal" EF? How can I improve mine?
We know how overwhelming this can be, so we've collected all the essential information about ejection fraction in one place to serve as your quick-reference guide.
Start here: What is ejection fraction (EF)?
Learn the definition and significance of this core heart measurement:
The 2 types of ejection fraction
Ejection fraction is further categorized into 2 main types, which have important differences for your diagnosis and treatment plan:
Why do we care about this number?
One Health Leader wrote an article about EF and why many people with heart failure care about this number. Here's what she had to say:
"Getting a diagnosis with the word "failure" in the name can be terrifying. But, as a result, we want to see that number go up, indicating we are getting better."
-Maggie
Read the full article here: The EF Game - Why Do We Care About This Number?
Can you do anything to help improve your EF?
John, a respiratory therapist, had some suggestions for what to do to improve your ejection fraction. Check out this article to learn more:
Stories, forums, and questions
It's natural to wonder, "Do others feel this way? What are their numbers? What questions should I be asking my doctor?" You're not alone. Our community is here to connect you with people who understand.
Our community has different places you can learn answers to these questions.
Check out the stories section of our site to write about your own experience with EF, or go to some of our EF forums and read what others are saying and join their conversation.
- Start Your Own Discussion Here
- Ejection Fraction Question
- Caregiver for Husband with CHF
- Low Ejection Fraction Forum
- Stent in Artery
We also have plenty of articles written by Health Leaders, people who are living with heart failure, mentioning their experiences with ejection fraction. Here are some of them:
- Pretty Lady Chronicles: I Have Pregnancy Induced Heart Failure
- When to Get a Second Opinion
- How I Survived Heart Failure
Please remember that we are not medical professionals, and you should not take medical advice from people online. If you read about a strategy or treatment you'd like to try, please consult with your healthcare team before proceeding.
If you have any heart failure or ejection fraction specific questions you can leave them for us here:
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