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An ejection fraction (EF) of 20% means that the heart's left ventricle pumps out only 20% of the blood that fills it with each beat. Normally, the left ventricle should pump out at least 55% of the blood that fills it.

An EF of 20% indicates severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which can be a sign of advanced heart failure. This means the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms like:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Swelling in legs and feet

  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

A low EF can be caused by various conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Heart attack

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • High blood pressure

  • Heart valve problems

Treatment options may include:

  • Medications to improve heart function and reduce symptoms

  • Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise modifications

  • Device therapy, like an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)

  • Heart transplantation in severe cases

It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage heart failure and improve quality of life.

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ADEMOLA SEGUN

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6mo ago

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Wiki User

14y ago

it means that only 20% of the volume in the heart (more or less) is ejected with each beat.

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Q: What is 20 percent ejection fraction of the heart?
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