Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What does a high ejection fraction typically indicate in heart function?

1. Severe heart disease

2. Normal or enhanced cardiac function

3. Heart valve leak

4. Increased risk of myocardial infarction

The correct answer is: Normal or enhanced cardiac function

A high ejection fraction is typically indicative of normal or enhanced cardiac function. Ejection fraction (EF) measures the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the ventricles with each heartbeat, and a normal range is generally between 55-70%. When the ejection fraction is high, it means that the heart is effectively pumping a significant volume of blood, which suggests that the heart muscle is functioning well and is likely in a state of enhanced contractility. This is often observed in individuals with good cardiovascular fitness or in response to certain stimuli like exercise, where the heart is adapting to meet increased demands. In contrast, a low ejection fraction might indicate heart disease or dysfunction, but a high value typically reflects efficiency in cardiac performance. Thus, recognizing the implications of ejection fraction is crucial in assessing cardiac health and function.