One of the ways heart specialists determine if you have heart failure is to measure your Ejection Fraction (EF). The Ejection Fraction compares the amount of blood in the chambers of the heart to the amount of blood pumped out with each contraction. The fraction or percentage helps describe how well the heart is pumping blood to the body.
- NORMAL Ejection Fraction: 50–70% is pumped out during each contraction
- BORDERLINE Ejection Fraction: 41–49% is pumped out during each contraction (Symptoms may become noticeable during activity.)
- REDUCED Ejection Fraction: ≤40% is pumped out during each contraction (Symptoms may become noticeable even during rest.)
With the proper care and treatment, many patients are able to improve their Ejection Fraction and live a longer and healthier life. It is also possible to have a diagnosis of heart failure with a seemingly normal (or preserved) Ejection Fraction of greater than or equal to 50%. Talk with your healthcare provider to discuss what your specific Ejection Fraction number means for you and to discuss your options.
How Can I Improve My Low Ejection Fraction?
Your heart failure team will help you develop a comprehensive strategic plan to improve your Ejection Fraction numbers. Tactics can include:
- Treating Any Known Causes of Heart Failure. These can include high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart valve disease and more.
- Getting the Right Amount of Physical Activity. Ask your physician about your exercise options. Together you can determine what exercises are safe, which exercises to avoid, how intense your workouts should be, how often you should exercise, and for how long.
- Monitoring Your Weight. Weight should be checked and recorded at regular and consistent intervals. If you are overweight, your physician will establish a target weight for you and help you design a diet and exercise plan to reach that target and maintain it.
- Knowing Your Sodium Limits. Your physician will recommend a daily limit for your sodium intake that must be followed. Keep in mind that just 1/4 teaspoon of salt contains 575 mg of sodium! Your heart failure team can recommend a sodium management program that can include tracking your daily intake, using salt-free seasonings, reading product labels and discovering new recipes.
- Regulating Your Fluid Intake. Ask you provider how much fluid you may take in every day to avoid overloading your body with fluid. Keep in mind that the symptoms of heart failure are related to "congestion" or "fluid retention".
- Eliminating Harmful Substances. Your heart failure team can provide you with resources and advice for eliminating/reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking or kicking drug addiction.
- Lowering Your Stress. There are all kinds of things you can do to reduce tension and worry in your life -- increase your daily activity level, connect with others, meditate or listen to music.