What does EF stand for in a medical context?

In a medical context, EF stands for "Ejection Fraction," which is a critical measurement in cardiology. Ejection Fraction refers to the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each contraction. This measurement is crucial for assessing the heart's pumping efficiency and overall function.

Doctors often use Ejection Fraction to evaluate patients with heart conditions, such as heart failure or cardiomyopathy. A normal Ejection Fraction typically ranges from 55% to 70%, indicating that the heart is functioning well. A reduced Ejection Fraction can signal potential issues, such as decreased heart function or heart disease, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring progress over time.

Understanding Ejection Fraction helps healthcare professionals assess how well the heart is functioning, determine prognosis, and consider appropriate therapeutic interventions.