Ejection fraction refers to the percentage of per-pulse output to ventricular end-diastolic volume, and the normal value is 50-70%. An ejection fraction of 40% is often indicative of cardiac insufficiency, and is most commonly seen in heart failure and other diseases. After active treatment, the ejection fraction of some patients can be restored, but the reduction of ejection fraction caused by end-stage heart failure usually cannot be restored.
The ejection fraction is related to the contractility of the myocardium. The stronger the contractility of the myocardium, the greater the output per beat and the greater the ejection fraction. In patients with heart failure, myocardial contractility decreases, and ejection fraction decreases to varying degrees.
In some patients with heart failure, the ejection fraction gradually returns to normal after treatment with β-blockers such as metoprolol, angiotensin receptor/enkephalinase inhibitors such as sacubitril valsartan, and aldosterone receptor antagonists such as spironolactone. Ejection fraction may also return to normal after cardiac resynchronization therapy in some patients. However, some patients with heart failure, whose primary disease cannot be controlled or who lack effective treatment options, may not have their ejection fraction return to normal and may only be able to slow the progression of the disease.
An ejection fraction of 40% is a sign of cardiac insufficiency. After aggressive treatment, ejection fraction can return to normal in some people, but patients with end-stage heart failure cannot return to normal ejection fraction. If the examination found that the ejection fraction is low need to seek medical treatment, to avoid delaying the condition.