Ejection fraction (EF)
The percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each beat.
Normal EF is 55-70%. Reduced EF (under 40%) defines systolic heart failure. EF is measured on echocardiogram.
What this means for you: EF is one of the most important numbers in cardiac risk stratification. Bring your most recent EF measurement to any cardiac consultation.
What a term means for you depends on your own reports. Ask your treating doctor, or send your reports for a free review.