Friday, March 7, 2025

LVEF-Left ventricular ejection fraction

 

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the central measure of left ventricular systolic function. 
LVEF is the fraction of chamber volume ejected in systole (stroke volume) in relation to the volume of the blood in the ventricle at the end of diastole (end-diastolic volume).

The accurate measurement of LVEF is very important for managing patients with cardiovascular disease.

 LVEF also has a prognostic value in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with congestive heart failure, after myocardial infarction, and after revascularization.

Left ventricular ejection fraction is a powerful predictor of cardiac mortality. 

In clinical practice, LVEF has become the primary criterion used for defibrillator placement.
[SV: Stroke volume, EDV: End-diastolic volume]

LVEF (%) among the male population:

  • 52% to 72% normal range
  • 41% to 51 mildly abnormal
  • 30% to 40% moderately abnormal
  • Less than 30% severely abnormal 

LVEF (%) among the female population:

  • 54% to 74% normal range
  • 41% to 53 mildly abnormal
  • 30% to 40% moderately abnormal
  • Less than 30% severely abnormal 

Low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) means the heart’s left ventricle is not pumping out enough blood with each beat, which can lead to heart failure. A fall could be related to low LVEF in several ways:

  1. Dizziness and Syncope (Fainting):

    • Low LVEF can cause poor blood circulation, leading to low blood pressure and dizziness, increasing the risk of falls.
    • If the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, it can cause fainting (syncope), leading to sudden falls.

  2. Muscle Weakness and Fatigue:

    • Poor cardiac output due to low LVEF can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, making it harder to stay balanced and increasing the risk of falling.

  3. Arrhythmias:

    • Low LVEF is often associated with irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness and falls.

  4. Medication Effects:

    • Patients with low LVEF often take medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, or ACE inhibitors, which can cause dizziness, hypotension, or electrolyte imbalances, contributing to falls.

  5. Fluid Retention and Edema:

    • Heart failure can cause swelling in the legs (edema), making walking difficult and increasing the risk of losing balance.

When to Seek Help:

  • If someone with low LVEF falls, they should be evaluated for possible injuries, especially head trauma or fractures.
  • If falls are frequent, a doctor should assess whether medication adjustments or assistive devices are needed.
  • Sudden dizziness, fainting, or worsening fatigue should be reported immediately, as they could indicate worsening heart failure or arrhythmias.

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