Middle English (Scots) carne, from Scottish Gaelic carn; akin to Old Irish & Welsh carn cairn
Ejection fraction is commonly measured by an echocardiogram and serves as a general measure of a person's cardiac function. Ejection fraction is typically low in patients with the systolic form of congestive heart failure.
An LV ejection fraction of 55 percent or higher is considered normal. An LV ejection fraction of 50 percent or lower is considered reduced. Experts vary in their opinions about an ejection fraction between 50 and 55 percent, and some would consider this a borderline range. Keep in mind that ejection fraction is just one measure of heart function. Even with a normal ejection fraction, overall heart function may not be normal. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your heart. The ejection fraction may decrease if: 1  You have weakness of your heart muscle, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which can be caused by a heart muscle problem, familial (genetic) cardiomyopathy, or systemic illnesses. 2  A heart attack has damaged your heart. 3  You have problems with your heart's valves.