what to do with fraction as index number?

What does the injection fraction number mean?

• My sister had a heart attack last Easter. She has since been told that she has Congestive Heart Failure. She has to keep going back to the hospital from time to time to have fluid removed. Her doctor told her that her injection fraction number was 20 the last time she was tested ( about a week ago). After her heart attack she was getting along pretty good and her number was up to 35. After goggling this I just became more confused because I would think the number should be a fraction. She is 53 years old.

• Answer:

  Hambone, The words are actually Ejection fraction, not INjection fraction. Ejection fraction is usually expressed as a percentage. A normal heart pumps - ‘ejects’ - a little more than half the heart’s blood volume with each beat. The ejection fraction is a test that determines how well the heart pumps with each beat. In most cases, the term “ejection fraction” refers to left ventricular ejection fraction. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the measurement of how much blood is being pumped out of the left ventricle of the heart (the main pumping chamber) with each contraction. A normal LVEF ranges from 50-70%. A LVEF of 65, for example, means that 65% of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle is pumped out with each heartbeat. The LVEF may be lower when the heart muscle has become damaged due to a heart attack, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), or other causes. [The right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) is the measurement of how much blood is being pumped out of the right side of the heart to the lungs for oxygen.] An EF of 35% to 40% may confirm a diagnosis of systolic heart failure. Someone with diastolic failure can have a normal EF. An EF of less than 35% increases the risk of life- threatening irregular heartbeats that can cause sudden cardiac arrest (loss of heart function) and sudden cardiac death. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended for these patients. The EF can go up and down, based on the heart condition and the therapies that have been prescribed. As your sister's EF has elevated to 35%, this is a better result than the previous one of 20% which you quoted. ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED. It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms. The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Hope this helps matador 89