Left ventricular ejection fraction is used to assess which aspect of cardiac function?

• A. Diastolic function
• B. Systolic function
• C. Valve morphology
• D. Coronary perfusion

Answer: (B)

Left ventricular ejection fraction shows how well the heart contracts during systole. It is the percentage of blood in the left ventricle at end diastole that is pumped out with each beat, reflecting the ventricle’s systolic performance. A normal range is about 55–70%; when systolic function is impaired, the ejection fraction drops, indicating systolic dysfunction as seen in conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy or after a myocardial infarction. EF does not directly measure how the ventricle relaxes and fills (diastolic function), nor does it assess valve structure or coronary blood flow, which are evaluated by other measurements and tests.