Ejection Fraction

A Critical Measure of Heart Health

The human heart, a muscular organ roughly the size of a fist, is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It consists of four chambers: the right atrium and ventricle, and the left atrium and ventricle. The atria receive blood, while the ventricles pump it out. The left ventricle, in particular, is crucial as it pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The way to measure this pumping is the ejection fraction. The Kopec Law Firm provides this article to help you understand ejection fraction, particularly in the context of medical malpractice claims.

Heart Damage and Ejection Fraction

The heart can be damaged in various ways, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery.  
• Heart Attack: A heart attack happens when a coronary artery becomes blocked, cutting off blood flow to a section of the heart muscle.
• Heart Failure: This occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, often due to underlying conditions like CAD or a previous heart attack.
• Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease that weakens the heart muscle.
• Valvular Heart Disease: This involves problems with the heart’s valves, which can affect blood flow.

When the heart is damaged, its ability to pump blood efficiently can be compromised. This is where ejection fraction comes into play.

What is Ejection Fraction?

Ejection fraction (EF) is a measure of how well the left ventricle pumps blood out of the heart. It is expressed as a percentage. A normal EF is typically between 55% and 70%.

• EF < 55% indicates heart dysfunction.
• EF < 35% suggests severe heart failure.

Measuring Ejection Fraction

Ejection fraction is most commonly measured using an echocardiogram. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. Other methods, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) or nuclear cardiology, can also be used to measure EF.

The Effects of Low Ejection Fraction

A low EF can have significant consequences for both the heart and the body.

• Heart Strain: When the left ventricle cannot pump blood effectively, it must work harder, which can lead to further damage and heart failure.
• Reduced Blood Flow: Decreased blood flow can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance.
• Fluid Retention: The heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently can lead to fluid buildup in the body, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, and lungs.
• Increased Risk of Complications: People with low EF are at increased risk for heart rhythm abnormalities, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Medical Malpractice Claims

Ejection fraction is a critical factor in many medical malpractice cases involving heart conditions. For example:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: If doctors or other healthcare providers fail to diagnose or delays the diagnosis of a condition that leads to a low EF, particularly in the emergency room, this can result in serious harm to the patient.
• Incorrect Treatment: If a patient receives inappropriate or ineffective treatment for a condition that affects their EF, this can also lead to harm.
• Failure to Monitor EF: Healthcare providers have a duty to monitor a patient’s EF, especially if they have a history of heart problems. Failure to do so can result in complications if the EF deteriorates.
• Surgical Errors: Surgical procedures that damage the heart muscle can lead to a decrease in EF. If a surgeon makes errors during a procedure, they may be liable for medical malpractice.

In medical malpractice cases involving ejection fraction, it is essential to have expert testimony from doctors such as cardiologists to establish the standard of care, the deviation from that standard, and the causal link between the healthcare provider’s negligence and the patient’s harm.

In conclusion, ejection fraction is a vital measure of heart health. A low EF can have serious consequences for both the heart and the body. Healthcare providers have a duty to monitor EF and provide appropriate treatment for patients with heart conditions. When a healthcare provider fails to meet these standards, it can lead to medical malpractice claims.

If you have a potential medical malpractice case, then visit our free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.