Ejection fractions

[deedee138]

I just had a cardiolyte stress test with an ejection fraction of 83%. Although my Dr. said my test was normal, the info. I read about normal ejection fractions is 50-75%. Would my EF be anything to be concerned about?

[kenkeith]

EF of 55 to 75 percent or slight variation thereof is considered normal. A higher than normal ejection fraction could indicate the presence of certain heart conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A low ejection fraction could be a sign that the heart is weakened.

EF is not a static calculation, and to maintain a balance between the right a left side blood flow, there is a geometric, circumferential change of the heart's dimension.  To increase the leftside blood flow the heart increases (compension) circumferentially (stronger contractions) and the EF increases.  

If there is an underlying cause that stresses the heart and reduces cardiac output, the heart will compensate and the EF will be higher than normal, but a pathologically enlarged heart (overcompensate) will eventually fail with a lower than normal EF to below 29% (heart failure range) if there is not successful treatment.

EF is an estimate and your 83% EF may not be a problem based on complete medical information reviewed and known by your doctor.