What does the ejection fraction equation calculate?

The ejection fraction equation is a crucial measurement used in cardiology to evaluate how effectively the heart is pumping blood. It is defined as the percentage of blood that is ejected from the ventricles during each heartbeat compared to the total volume of blood in the ventricles before contraction. This calculation gives a direct insight into the functional capacity of the heart, particularly in assessing heart health or the presence of heart conditions.

When ejection fraction is expressed as a percentage, it often helps clinicians determine the severity of heart failure or other cardiac issues. A normal ejection fraction is typically between 55% and 70%. Values below this range can indicate reduced heart function and may prompt further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

The other choices address different aspects of cardiovascular physiology but do not specifically relate to what the ejection fraction measures. For example, the volume of blood pumped per minute pertains more to cardiac output, while the amount of blood in the heart before contraction (end-diastolic volume) and the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the heart (blood pressure) are important parameters in understanding cardiac function but are distinct from ejection fraction.