What is EF? Muga? Echocardiogram?

[Joanne S]

An (EF) ejection fraction is the percentage of blood pumped out of a heart chamber during the contraction phase of each heartbeat (systole). The term typically refers to a measurement of the left ventricle (the lower left chamber of the heart), which pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the body through the aorta. An ejection fraction can also be measured in the right ventricle (the lower right chamber), which pumps blood returning from the body to the lungs for oxygen. However, this measurement is nearly always referred to as a right ventricular ejection fraction.

Even in a healthy heart, some blood always remains within the heart chambers after each heartbeat. Therefore an ejection fraction is a percentage of the blood within the chamber that is pumped out with every heartbeat. Normally, the left ventricle pumps 55 to 75 percent of the blood within that chamber out to the body with each heartbeat.

An ejection fraction is most commonly measured during an echocardiogram. This painless and noninvasive test uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to get a picture of the four heart chambers and the four heart valves. An ejection fraction can also be measured as part of other diagnostic testing, such as:

• MUGA scan. A type of radionuclide imaging test that provides clear pictures of blood flow through the heart’s chambers and blood vessels.
• Echocardiography. This test uses sound waves to visualize structures within the heart. It has the advantage of being noninvasive and relatively accessible.

For more information here is the link:
http://heart.health.ivillage.com/hea...nfraction2.cfm


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