Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) Critical Care Practice Exam

The normal ejection fraction (EF) is typically defined as 55% to 70%, which reflects the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the ventricles with each heartbeat. This range indicates that the heart is functioning well as a pump, efficiently delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body.

The choice indicating 65-75% is often used as a generalized standard in clinical practice, reflecting a common measure of normal cardiac function. Although some sources might cite slightly different ranges, 55-70% is widely accepted, with 65-75% representing a healthy upper limit. Thus, the choice of 65-75% as a normal ejection fraction is considered appropriate in many clinical guidelines and practices.

Understanding this metric is crucial in assessing heart health, as a significantly reduced ejection fraction can indicate heart failure or other cardiovascular issues, while a higher-than-normal EF may imply other concerns like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Overall, recognizing ejection fraction's normal range helps in diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions.