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Updated: May 16, 2026

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
[Left ventricular ejection fraction: pathophysiological aspects and intrinsic limitations]
1U.O. di Cardiologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ferrara. donatomele@libero.it
Insights
Ejection fraction (EF) is a key metric for assessing heart function, but its limitations and calculation errors can lead to misuse. This review clarifies EF
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Ejection fraction (EF) is a standard clinical cardiology parameter.
- EF evaluates left ventricular systolic function and cardiac disease prognosis.
- Current use of EF faces limitations and potential inaccuracies.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiological features and intrinsic limitations of EF.
- To clarify the proper use of EF in clinical practice.
- To address errors and inaccuracies in EF calculation.
Summary:
- This article details the advantages and limitations of ejection fraction (EF).
- It discusses how different cardiac imaging techniques impact EF accuracy.
- The review aims to guide appropriate clinical application of EF.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of EF's role in cardiology.
- Reduced misinterpretation and misuse of EF measurements.
- Enhanced prognostic stratification and patient care in cardiac diseases.
Abstract:
Ejection fraction (EF) is the most widely used instrumental parameter in clinical cardiology for the evaluation of left ventricular systolic function and prognostic stratification of various cardiac diseases, including ischemic heart disease and heart failure. EF has some advantages but also many limitations, which may favor an incorrect use of this parameter. Moreover, the different cardiac imaging techniques available for EF calculation can be an additional source of errors and inaccuracies. This article will review in detail the pathophysiological features and intrinsic limitations of EF, with the aim to clarify how to properly use this parameter.
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