A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiography most strongly indicates which form of heart failure?

A reduced left ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiography most strongly indicates which form of heart failure?

• A. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
• B. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
• C. Valvular heart disease without HF
• D. Acute coronary syndrome without heart failure

Answer: (A)

A reduced LV ejection fraction on echocardiography most strongly indicates systolic heart failure, the form where the heart’s pumping ability is diminished. Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood the left ventricle eyects with each beat. Normal EF is roughly 55%–70%. When EF falls below about 40%, it reflects impaired contractile function, which defines heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In contrast, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction features a normal or near-normal EF (typically ≥50%) but problems with filling due to stiff or noncompliant ventricles. Valvular disease can cause heart failure but isn’t defined by a reduced EF alone, and acute coronary syndrome without heart failure doesn’t specify a heart-failure phenotype unless HF symptoms and criteria are present.

A reduced LV ejection fraction on echocardiography most strongly indicates systolic heart failure, the form where the heart’s pumping ability is diminished. Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood the left ventricle eyects with each beat. Normal EF is roughly 55%–70%. When EF falls below about 40%, it reflects impaired contractile function, which defines heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In contrast, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction features a normal or near-normal EF (typically ≥50%) but problems with filling due to stiff or noncompliant ventricles. Valvular disease can cause heart failure but isn’t defined by a reduced EF alone, and acute coronary syndrome without heart failure doesn’t specify a heart-failure phenotype unless HF symptoms and criteria are present.