What does a decreased ejection fraction often signify in clinical practice?

Study for the CCI Echocardiography Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A decreased ejection fraction is frequently a clinical indicator of heart muscle weakness or heart failure. Ejection fraction (EF) measures the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart's ventricles with each contraction. When the ejection fraction is lower than normal, it suggests that the heart is not contracting effectively, which can be due to various underlying issues such as cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, or damage from a previous heart attack.

This condition implies that the heart is unable to supply adequate blood flow to meet the body's demands, leading to symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Evaluating ejection fraction is crucial in assessing heart function and guiding treatment decisions for patients with suspected or established heart failure.

In contrast, other options like high blood pressure or electrical conduction issues might affect heart function but do not specifically indicate a weakness in the heart muscle itself. Increased cardiac output also does not relate to decreased ejection fraction, as a reduction in ejection fraction usually signifies impaired cardiac output rather than an increase.

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