Ejection Fraction: How to Improve yours

What is ejection fraction and what does it measure?

Ejection fraction (EF) is a measure of the efficiency of the heart’s ability to pump blood out of its chambers. It is a critical indicator of cardiac function and is used to assess the effectiveness of the heart in pumping blood throughout the body.

The ejection fraction is calculated by measuring the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the left ventricle (the lower chamber of the heart) with each beat. The measurement is taken by injecting a small amount of dye into the bloodstream and taking X-rays or using echocardiography to track the movement of the dye as it flows through the heart.

A normal ejection fraction is typically greater than 50%. This means that more than half of the blood in the left ventricle is pumped out into the aorta with each beat. An ejection fraction that is lower than 50% indicates that the heart is not pumping efficiently, which can be a sign of cardiac dysfunction or disease.

There are different types of ejection fractions, including:

• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): measures the efficiency of the left ventricle
• Right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF): measures the efficiency of the right ventricle
• Global ejection fraction: measures the overall efficiency of both ventricles

A low ejection fraction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Hypertension
• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Valvular heart disease

Ejection fraction is an important diagnostic tool for cardiologists, as it helps them to assess the severity of cardiac disease and monitor treatment effectiveness.

What can I do to increase my ejection fraction?

While it’s not possible to increase your ejection fraction (EF) significantly, there are several lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help improve cardiac function and potentially increase EF. Here are some suggestions:

Lifestyle Changes:

1. Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes a day, three to four times a week. This can help improve cardiovascular fitness and increase EF.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help reduce the strain on your heart and improve EF.
3. Follow a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary drinks and saturated fats.
4. Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact cardiac function. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
5. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help your body recover from the physical demands of the day.

Medical Treatments:

1. Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of your low EF, your doctor may prescribe medications to help improve cardiac function. Examples include:
   • Beta blockers: to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure
   • ACE inhibitors or ARBs: to reduce blood pressure and strain on the heart
   • Vasodilators: to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow
   • Diuretics: to remove excess fluid from the body
2. Cardiac rehabilitation: Participate in a supervised exercise program designed for people with heart disease. These programs typically include exercise training, education on heart-healthy lifestyle habits, and counseling.
3. Angioplasty or stenting: If you have blockages in your coronary arteries, angioplasty or stenting can help restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
4. Heart failure medications: If you have heart failure, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms and improve EF.

Other Considerations:

1. Monitor your condition: Regularly follow up with your doctor to monitor your EF and adjust treatments as needed.
2. Avoid smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can worsen cardiac function.
3. Manage underlying conditions: Control conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.

Remember that increasing EF may not always be possible, especially if you have significant cardiac damage or advanced heart disease. However, by making lifestyle changes and following medical recommendations, you can improve overall cardiac function and reduce symptoms associated with a low ejection fraction.