Published online Jul 26, 2022. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v14.i7.438
Peer-review started: March 11, 2022
First decision: May 31, 2022
Revised: June 9, 2022
Accepted: July 8, 2022
Article in press: July 8, 2022
Published online: July 26, 2022
Processing time: 130 Days and 19.5 Hours
Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF), defined as LV stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume, has been systematically used for the diagnosis, classification, and management of heart failure (HF) over the last three decades. HF is classified as HF with reduced LVEF, HF with midrange or mildly reduced LVEF, and HF with preserved LVEF using arbitrary, continuously changing LVEF cutoffs. A prerequisite for using this LVEF-based terminology is knowledge of the LVEF normal range, which is lacking and may lead to erroneous conclusions in HF, especially at the higher end of the LVEF spectrum.
Core Tip: Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been consistently used for the diagnosis, classification, and management of heart failure (HF) over the last three decades. HF is classified as HF with reduced LVEF, HF with midrange or mildly reduced LVEF, and HF with preserved LVEF using arbitrary, continuously changing LVEF cutoffs. A prerequisite for using this terminology is knowledge of the LVEF normal range, which is lacking and may lead to erroneous conclusions, especially at the higher end of the LVEF spectrum.