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Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
Ejection fraction is a measure of the heart’s ability to pump out blood. With reduced ejection fraction, the heart can’t pump with enough force to push blood throughout the body and deliver the oxygen it needs.
Normal Heart
Strong muscular walls squeeze and relax to pump blood out to all the organs and other parts of the body.
Heart Failure with reduced ejection
fraction HFrEF
The heart muscle becomes overstretched and too weak to
pump blood properly. About 50% of patients with Heart
Failure have HFrEF.
Most common symptoms
-
Shortness of breath
Patients with Heart Failure often have trouble breathing as a symptom. They can experience trouble breathing during activity, as well as when at rest
Swelling
Patients with Heart Failure may have swollen legs, feet, or ankles
Trouble breathing while sleeping or lying flat
Patients with Heart Failure often have trouble breathing in their sleep
Rapid weight gain
Patients with Heart Failure can have sudden changes in weight—gaining 3 lbs or more in one day.
If you have Heart Failure and notice this symptom, call the doctor right away
Coughing
Patients with Heart Failure may be bothered by a nagging cough
Confusion
Patients with Heart Failure may have a harder time maintaining attention or focus
Fatigued or feeling tired
Patients with Heart Failure often feel exhausted or a lack of energy
Both types of Heart Failure share the same symptoms. Learn the differences.
Hear a real patient’s story
Learn how Freddie discovered her HFrEF and what she does to stay on top of it.
Diagnosing HFrEF
HFrEF is most commonly detected with an ECG, or echocardiogram.
If your ejection fraction is less than or equal to 40% you have reduced ejection fraction.
That means your heart muscle is weak and is losing its ability to pump out the amount of blood your body needs.
What it may take to diagnose
Your doctor may suggest one or more of these tests to measure your ejection fraction:
Echocardiogram (ECG)—the most widely used test
MUGA scan
CAT scan
Cardiac catheterization
Nuclear stress test
Sign up for a free Heart Failure Handbook
Get a free Heart Failure Handbook when you register for the Keep It Pumping support program. It’s filled with useful tips and tools to help you manage the condition.
Start prepping for the conversation
Get a Doctor Discussion Guide for a personalized conversation that can help you and your doctor decide on the best ways to manage your Heart Failure.