What does the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) indicate in heart failure?

The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a crucial measurement in assessing heart function, particularly in heart failure. It represents the percentage of blood that is ejected from the left ventricle during each contraction. A normal LVEF typically ranges from 55% to 70%, and lower values indicate diminished pumping efficiency of the heart.

In heart failure, LVEF is a key indicator of the severity of the condition. A reduced LVEF reflects the impaired ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention, which are characteristic of heart failure. Thus, healthcare providers use LVEF to evaluate not only the effectiveness of the heart's pumping action but also to guide treatment decisions and assess prognosis.

The other options do not appropriately reflect the purpose of LVEF. While anatomical structure, chamber size, and blood pressure regulation are important factors in cardiovascular health, they do not directly measure how effectively the heart is pumping blood, which is the primary role LVEF plays in heart failure assessment.