Understanding cardiac systolic performance beyond left ventricular ejection fraction

Abstract

Left ventricular ejection fraction is the critical parameter used for heart failure classification, decision making and assessing prognosis. It is defined as a volumetric ratio and is essentially a composite of arterial and ventricular elastances, but not intrinsic contractility. The clinician should be aware of its numerous limitations when measuring and reporting it. And make a step toward more insightful understanding of hemodynamics.

Keywords

• left ventricular ejection fraction
• ventriculo-arterial coupling
• left ventricular functions
• hemodynamics