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Ask the doctor: Can I have a low ejection fraction and not feel it?

Ask the doctor

Can I have a low ejection fraction and not feel it?

Published: March, 2014

Q. My doctor told me that I have "low ejection fraction," but I feel fine. How can this be? I thought this was part of heart failure and would make someone feel bad. Should I do anything about it, even though I don't have any symptoms?

A. Your ejection fraction is the amount of blood your heart squeezes out with each beat. The typical heart fills with a half-cup of blood (four ounces) and ejects a bit over half that with each heartbeat. A normal ejection fraction is in the range of 55–70%.

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Try the tree pose

To build concentration and balance, try doing the tree pose: Stand with your feet directly under your hips, feet parallel. Lift your right foot and rest it on the inside of your left leg, under your knee. Clasp your hands together in front of your heart. Keep your gaze forward and take up to six easy breaths. Then repeat, this time standing on your right leg and lifting your left. If your balance is shaky, rest your hands on a chair in front of you.

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Ask the doctor: Can I have a low ejection fraction and not feel it?

Ask the doctor

Can I have a low ejection fraction and not feel it?

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

Related Articles

Related Topics