Low Ejection Fraction: A Warning Sign You Shouldn’t Ignore

New Delhi, 24 November (Udaipur Kiran)। Understanding the strength of the heart begins with understanding Ejection Fraction (EF) — a key measure that should never be ignored. EF indicates the percentage of blood the heart pumps out with each beat. When the heart contracts well, pumping remains strong and EF stays in the normal range. But when the heart muscles weaken or stiffen, EF starts to drop.

Low Ejection Fraction

This is why doctors check EF first in most heart patients.

The simplest and safest way to measure EF is an echo test, which clearly shows the heart walls, pumping capacity, valve function and blood flow. Many experts recommend getting an echo test done at least once a year. EF values indicate the condition of the heart:
55–70%: Normal,
41–54%: Mildly low,
31–40%: Moderately low,
Below 30%: Serious condition.

Several factors can cause low EF — long-term high BP, past heart attack, high stress, excessive alcohol intake, uncontrolled sugar levels, blockages, thyroid problems, smoking and certain viral infections that weaken the heart muscle.

The symptoms often appear slowly: breathlessness while climbing stairs, easy fatigue, rapid heartbeat, swelling in the legs, or trouble breathing at night.

According to Ayurveda, a weak heart affects the body’s strength and pran vayu. Deficiency of rasdhatu, imbalance of doshas and mental stress can worsen the condition. Herbs such as Arjuna, Draksha, Ashwagandha and Pushkarmool are traditionally considered nourishing for the heart. Light walking, balanced meals and a calm mind can also support improvement.

From a scientific point of view, low EF means the heart muscles are weak or damaged. With proper medication and lifestyle changes, many patients experience a 10–15% improvement in EF.

A low-salt diet, light meals, morning walks, controlled BP and sugar, reduced stress and a regular sleep routine all help strengthen the heart. However, sudden breathlessness, severe chest pain or very fast heartbeat require immediate medical attention.

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