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Apr 9, 2024 · Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the ventricle to fill with or eject blood. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or less. Heart failure with mildly reduced EF ...
- Treatment Algorithm
Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient...
- Chronic Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that can...
- Treatment Algorithm
- Overview
- How is heart failure with reduced ejection fraction defined?
- What are the symptoms of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
- How is heart failure with reduced ejection fraction diagnosed?
- What are the causes of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
- How is heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treated?
- What’s the outlook for people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?
- Takeaway
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) means your left heart ventricle has weakened and less blood is being pumped into your body. HFrEF requires ongoing treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
HFrEF, also known as “systolic heart failure,” means your heart isn’t contracting as it should, causing less blood to reach your organs, muscles, and other tissues in your body.
The condition can cause a range of symptoms that may affect your daily life, from your energy level to the healthy functioning of your organs.
HFrEF can be the result of a heart attack or other cardiac condition. It’s usually treated with a combination of medications, lifestyle adjustments, and, if necessary, surgical procedures.
Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each contraction.
HFrEF is specific to the left ventricle, which pumps blood out through the aorta to most of the body. The condition occurs when the left ventricle is too weak to pump a normal amount of blood.
Shortness of breath is one of the main symptoms of systolic heart failure. It may develop after some physical exertion or when lying down. Advanced heart failure can sometimes cause shortness of breath that comes on at rest.
Some of the other more common symptoms of systolic heart failure include:
•chest pain
•confusion and difficulty concentrating
•coughing (sometimes with blood)
•dizziness
Diagnosing HFrEF usually starts with a review of your symptoms and medical history. A doctor should also conduct a physical examination and listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
Lab tests are also critical in making an accurate diagnosis. In particular, if HFrEF is suspected, you should have a blood test that includes the measurement of serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels or its N-terminal component.
Several cardiovascular conditions can result in HFrEF. Among these conditions are:
•aortic stenosis (stiffening of the aortic valve)
•arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
•cardiomyopathy (a condition that causes scarring or thickening of the heart muscle)
•heart attack
•high blood pressure
Treating HFrEF usually starts with one or more heart medications. Some of the more commonly prescribed medications for systolic heart failure include:
•aldosterone blockers
•angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
•angiotensin receptor blockers
•angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors
•beta-blockers
HFrEF is a serious condition that can cause numerous life threatening complications.
A 2022 study suggests that the rate of “all-cause mortality” (death by any cause) for individuals with HFrEF, 1 year after diagnosis, is 43.69%. The rate of “cardiovascular mortality” (death due to diseases of the heart or blood vessels) is 21.07%.
HFrEF usually first presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, which can be an indication of many other conditions. For this reason, HFrEF sometimes goes undiagnosed until it has progressed significantly.
If you’ve had a heart attack, have high blood pressure, or any other cardiac condition, don’t hesitate to respond quickly to symptoms to have HFrEF diagnosed early and treated promptly for the best possible outcome.
- James Roland
Jul 7, 2022 · Ejection fraction typically refers to the left side of the heart. It shows how much oxygen-rich blood is pumped out of the left ventricle to most of the body’s organs with each contraction. LVEF helps determine the severity of dysfunction on the left side of the heart.
3 days ago · XYZ Corp reports total liabilities of $150 billion and shareholders’ equity of $50 billion. Using the D/E ratio formula, we can calculate: Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Shareholders ...
Dec 1, 2021 · Ejection fraction is the fraction of the blood that the heart "ejects" out to the rest of the body each time it contracts. A normal ejection fraction is about 55% to 70%. Levels below 40% indicate reduced ejection fraction and may result in heart failure symptoms.
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
1 day ago · Ratios include the working capital ratio, the quick ratio, earnings per share (EPS), price-to-earnings (P/E), debt-to-equity (D/E), and return on equity (ROE). Most ratios are best used in ...
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Jun 25, 2023 · Summary. Ejection fraction is a measurement doctors can use to help diagnose heart failure. A normal range is between 52% and 72% for males and between 54% and 74% for females. An ejection...
