What measurement, crucial for managing heart failure, is usually determined via an echocardiogram?

Answer

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)

The Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) is a cornerstone metric used by cardiologists, particularly when managing patients diagnosed with heart failure. LVEF quantifies the efficiency of the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle. Specifically, it is calculated as the percentage of blood present in the left ventricle at the end of relaxation (diastole) that is ejected out into the body with each contraction (systole). An echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound technology to generate moving images of the heart structure and function, is the standard, non-invasive method for accurately determining this percentage. A significantly low LVEF, specifically stated as being below 40%, indicates reduced pumping function, prompting aggressive medical therapy optimization aimed at improving cardiac output.

What measurement, crucial for managing heart failure, is usually determined via an echocardiogram?

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