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Ejection fraction

By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com

Created: December 3, 2003

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Definition: a measure of the function of the left ventricle, also called left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The ejection fraction is the percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heart beat. An LVEF of 50% indicates that the left ventricle ejects half its volume each time it contracts. A normal ejection fraction is 50% or higher. A reduced ejection fraction indicates that cardiomyopathy is present.
Also Known As: EF, LVEF

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