What are the causes of a low ejection fraction?

Lucas Clark | 2018-04-06 10:03:13 | page views:1355
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Oliver Baker

Works at the International Criminal Court, Lives in The Hague, Netherlands.
As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information on the causes of a low ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is a measure of how well the heart is pumping blood with each beat, expressed as a percentage. A normal ejection fraction is generally considered to be 50% or higher, while a low ejection fraction indicates that the heart is not pumping as effectively as it should be.

Causes of a low ejection fraction can be broadly categorized into several groups:


1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is the most common cause. When the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood flow due to blocked or narrowed arteries, it can lead to a heart attack or ischemia, which can damage the heart muscle and reduce EF.


2. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack can cause a significant portion of the heart muscle to die, which can severely impact the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.


3. Heart Failure: Long-term pressure or workload on the heart can lead to heart failure, where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often resulting in a reduced ejection fraction.


4. Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease of the heart muscle itself, which can be either dilated (enlarged) or hypertrophic (thickened). Both types can lead to a decrease in ejection fraction.


5. Valvular Heart Disease: Problems with the heart's valves, such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, can affect the heart's ability to pump effectively.


6. Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle, can also lead to a low ejection fraction.

7.
Inherited Conditions: Certain genetic conditions can predispose individuals to a low ejection fraction.

8.
Toxins and Medications: Exposure to certain toxins or the use of certain medications can also damage the heart muscle and lead to a reduced ejection fraction.

It's important to note that a low ejection fraction is a serious medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional.

Alexander Wilson

Works at the International Finance Corporation, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
Low Ejection Fraction Causes. Many different heart and vascular diseases can lead to low ejection fraction, including: Cardiomyopathy: This condition causes areas of heart tissue to thicken. ... Coronary artery disease: This heart disease narrows or blocks the two main arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle.

Lucas Ramirez

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Low Ejection Fraction Causes. Many different heart and vascular diseases can lead to low ejection fraction, including: Cardiomyopathy: This condition causes areas of heart tissue to thicken. ... Coronary artery disease: This heart disease narrows or blocks the two main arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle.
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