Ejection fraction of 83

Had cardiolyte stress and results were WNL with EF of 83....since most reports state EF of 55-70 is normal, what does a higher number mean

[kenkeith]

An EF is an estimation of the amount of blood pumped with each stroke.  It is not static and will vary from heartbeat to heartbeat just as heartrate and blood pressure, the variations help maintain a balance of blood flow between the left and right side

For the EF to increase the heart's output of blood, the left venticle dilates and that causes stronger contractions.  The mechanism for the is phenomonon is the Frank/Starling law of physics.  As an anology a handspring can be stretched and it will recoil stronger, but over stretch the handspring will become flaccid.

The given range for the EF is usually enough to maintain a balance of blood flow as is the heart rate 60-100.  When the EF exceeds the upper limit that indicates there is over-compensation and the heart is pumping harder than normal to maintain a balance of blood flow between the left and right side. If the underlying is not corrected such as cardiomyology, the over-compensating dilated heart will begin to have weak contractility and eventually heart failure (EF below 30%).

Failed contractility results from heart muscle disease, heart wall damage (MI), wall thickness (loses flexibility), valve regurgitation and/or stenosis (less blood output with each heartbeat), hypertension (heart has to work harder), arrhythmias (interferes with adequate filling and pumping, burdens the heart), etc. These conditions can/will increase the heart rate (compensation) and enlarge the heart to compensate. The conditions should be treated before there is overcompensation and heart failure.

Hope this hels.  Thanks for the question and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken