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Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how well your heart pumps blood out of its left ventricle (the main pumping chamber) during each heartbeat. It helps assess heart function and identify conditions like heart failure.

Quick summary

["LVEF helps doctors determine if your heart is pumping efficiently and guides treatment decisions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10230-1
Short code
LV EF
Synonyms
LV EF
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Is LVEF Used For?

LVEF is primarily used to evaluate heart performance, especially in diagnosing and managing heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy. It can also help guide treatment plans, including medications or lifestyle changes.

How Is LVEF Measured?

LVEF is measured using an echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound that creates images of your heart while it’s beating. The test calculates the percentage of blood pumped out of your left ventricle with each heartbeat.

Preparation for LVEF Testing

No special preparation is needed for an echocardiogram. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if contrast dye is used, but this is rare for LVEF measurements alone.

What Does a Low or High LVEF Mean?

A lower-than-normal LVEF (typically below 40%) may indicate poor heart function and could signal heart failure or other heart issues. A higher-than-normal LVEF (above 60%) might suggest conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or other structural heart problems.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

LVEF is a critical marker for diagnosing and monitoring heart disease. Low LVEF is often associated with heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. High LVEF can sometimes indicate conditions that affect heart muscle structure or function, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Regular monitoring helps doctors adjust treatments to improve heart health and quality of life.

Short name

LVEF

Frequently asked questions

How often should LVEF be checked?
The frequency of LVEF testing depends on your medical condition. If you have heart disease or are at risk, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring, often every few months or years, to track changes in heart function.
What are the typical reference ranges for LVEF?
There’s no single standard reference range for LVEF because it varies by age, health status, and individual factors. Generally, a normal LVEF is considered between 50% and 70%, but values below 40% are often considered low and may signal heart issues.
Can diet or exercise affect LVEF results?
While diet and exercise can improve overall heart health, they do not directly alter LVEF measurements. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help support heart function and reduce the risk of conditions that affect LVEF.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy