Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

The normal fractional shortening in adults is typically:

1. 50-75%

2. 25-45%

3. 40-65%

4. 80-100%

The correct answer is: 25-45%

Fractional shortening is a measurement used to assess left ventricular function by evaluating the change in the dimension of the left ventricle during the cardiac cycle. It is calculated using the formula: \[ \text{Fractional Shortening} = \frac{\text{LVEDd} - \text{LVESd}}{\text{LVEDd}} \times 100 \] Where LVEDd is the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and LVESd is the left ventricular end-systolic diameter. A normal range for fractional shortening in adults is typically established between 25% to 45%. Values within this range indicate efficient contraction of the left ventricle, suggesting that the heart is functioning adequately. Choosing the range of 25-45% aligns with clinical guidelines and literature that detail healthy cardiac function in adult populations. This range reflects a spectrum of heart function where effective contraction occurs, and significant deviations from this norm can indicate various forms of cardiac dysfunction or diseases. In contrast, ranges above or below this standard, such as those indicating higher values like 50-75% or even 80-100%, would generally suggest either overly healthy heart function or be indicative of potential measurement errors, as such values might not