LVEF or Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction refers to the fraction or percentage of blood that is pumped out by the left ventricles in the heart.  In terms of heart function, the left ventricles are responsible for ejecting blood from the heart via the aortic valve for use or circulation by the various systems in the body.  The measure or the amount of blood that comes out from the left ventricles is very important as it is one indicator of good heart function.  If there is not enough blood ejected from the left ventricles of the heart, then there will also be less blood for system circulation.|

The ejection of blood from the left ventricles is considered normal when the LVEF is at 55 percent or higher.  At this level, it simply means that blood rushing on the left ventricular chamber doesn’t completely come out during ejection to the aortic valve.  Around 45% percent of the blood is retained while 55 percent is ejected out.  The blood ejected out will then be measured and this now the LVEF or left ventricular ejection fraction.  Any fraction or level below the normal of 55 percent is considered low or reduced.  Low LVEF is one of many indicators of problems relating to the heart.  For people who are in the borderline or reduced LVEF, it may be a sign of heart muscle weakness such as those found in cardiac myopathies.  Low LVEF may also be and indication of problems concerning the heart valves or it may also be caused by very high blood pressure levels.

For health and safety reasons, people who suspect of heart problems should have their LVEF checked and measured.  This can be done through a variety of procedures like the echocardiogram which literally translates to the ultrasound procedure for the heart.  LVEF may also be measured through imaging techniques like the standard CT-scan and MRI or magnetic resonance imaging. One may also choose to undergo cardiac catheterization in order to check LVEF.