The heart functions as a muscular pump, circulating blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Its efficiency is assessed by ejection fraction, a measurement providing insight into the heart’s pumping capability and overall cardiac health.
What is Ejection Fraction?
Ejection fraction (EF) quantifies the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart’s main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, with each beat. For a healthy heart, normal left ventricular ejection fraction typically ranges between 50% and 75%.
When ejection fraction falls below this range, it indicates the heart is not pumping efficiently. For instance, an EF of 40% or less suggests reduced pumping ability. This measurement is often determined through imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the beating heart.
Clinical Treatments
Medical interventions play a significant role in improving ejection fraction, especially when its function is compromised. Healthcare providers often prescribe various medications to reduce the heart’s workload, enhance its pumping efficiency, and manage associated symptoms. These medications are chosen based on the individual’s specific condition.
Commonly used drug classes include:
ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) or ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), which relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, easing strain on the heart.
Beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate and reduce its force of contraction, allowing the heart to fill more completely and pump more effectively.
Diuretics, often called “water pills,” which help the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium, reducing swelling and easing breathing.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), also known as aldosterone antagonists, which prevent negative hormonal effects that worsen heart failure.
Newer medications like SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors, which have shown benefits in improving outcomes for individuals with reduced ejection fraction.
Beyond medications, medical devices offer substantial support for a heart with reduced pumping ability. Pacemakers help coordinate heart chamber contractions, improving efficiency. For those at risk of dangerous heart rhythms, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) monitor heartbeats and deliver electrical shocks to restore a normal rhythm. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices are specialized pacemakers that help the heart’s ventricles beat in a more synchronized way, which can improve ejection fraction and symptoms.
Surgical procedures may be necessary to address underlying issues contributing to a low ejection fraction. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves blood flow to the heart muscle if blockages are present. Repairing or replacing diseased heart valves can alleviate strain on the heart and restore its ability to pump blood effectively. These clinical treatments are physician-directed and improve heart function.
Lifestyle Strategies
Complementing medical treatments, various lifestyle adjustments can support and improve the heart’s ejection fraction. Adopting heart-healthy dietary habits is a foundational step. This involves limiting sodium intake to reduce fluid retention and strain on the heart, with recommendations often suggesting no more than 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day. Focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce inflammation and provides nutrients for cardiac health.
Engaging in regular physical activity enhances cardiovascular fitness and can improve ejection fraction. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities, such as brisk walking or swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, are generally recommended, often alongside resistance training. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it is appropriate for one’s specific condition.
Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the overall strain on the heart, as excess weight makes the heart work harder to circulate blood. Even a modest weight loss, such as 5% to 10% of body weight, can yield metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, including improved heart pumping ability. Quitting smoking is important, as tobacco use harms heart health and can worsen ejection fraction.
Moderating alcohol consumption is beneficial, as heavy drinking can directly damage heart muscle and contribute to conditions like high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or regular exercise can help mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress on the cardiovascular system, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Sustaining Heart Health
Maintaining an improved ejection fraction requires a continuous approach to health management. Consistently adhering to prescribed medications and recommended lifestyle changes is important for long-term success. This includes taking all medications as directed and integrating dietary and activity guidelines into daily life.
Regular medical check-ups are important for monitoring heart health and ejection fraction over time. These appointments allow healthcare providers to track progress, make necessary adjustments to treatment plans, and detect any potential issues early. Being aware of changes in symptoms and promptly reporting them to a doctor ensures any new concerns are addressed without delay.
Improving and sustaining ejection fraction is a collaborative effort between the individual and their medical team. This partnership ensures care is tailored to specific needs, optimizing outcomes for better heart health and overall well-being.