Heart failure with normal ejection fraction

Ejection fraction describes the proportion of blood pumped out during a heartbeat. A heart can show a normal proportion yet relax poorly between beats. A stiff ventricle may not fill comfortably, pressure can rise, and fluid can move back toward the lungs. This can cause breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, cough, or ankle swelling. Hypertension can contribute to thickening and stiffness, while Atrial Fibrillation can make filling less efficient. Doctors interpret ejection fraction with symptoms, examination, blood tests, rhythm findings and imaging.

Keep appointments for blood pressure, symptom and medicine review. Take prescribed medicines consistently and ask before changing fluid intake, salt habits, or activity. Record what brings on breathlessness, whether you need extra pillows, and when swelling appears. Treatment may focus on controlling blood pressure, reducing excess fluid, managing rhythm, and addressing related conditions. Gentle activity can be planned around your ability and medical advice. A Chronic Disease Review may provide a structured opportunity to check progress and practical barriers.

Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pain, fainting, sudden confusion, collapse, or blue lips. Contact your clinician quickly if breathing or swelling changes noticeably over a short time, or if a fast or irregular heartbeat comes with dizziness or weakness.

What does my ejection fraction show, and what does it leave out? Is the heart stiff or under pressure? Which conditions are worsening filling? How will we judge whether treatment is helping?