Ejection fraction and stroke volume are two terms related to heart health. Both can give important information about the cardiac function. However, they are different.
The key difference between ejection fraction and stroke volume is their function. Ejection fraction gives us information about how well the heart is contracting whereas stroke volume along with heart rate determines cardiac output.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ejection Fraction
3. What is Stroke Volume
4. Similarities – Ejection Fraction and Stroke Volume
5. Ejection Fraction vs Stroke Volume in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Ejection Fraction vs Stroke Volume
7. FAQ: Ejection Fraction and Stroke Volume
What is an Ejection Fraction?
Ejection fraction measures the ability of heart to pump oxygen-rich blood out to the body. Normally, ejection fraction is determined by dividing the value of stroke volume by end diastolic volume. Ejection fraction gives doctors information about how well the heart is contracting. It also helps to figure out whether the pump is working given the demands placed on it. Moreover, ejection fraction in a healthy heart is 50% to 70%.
Heart conditions that weaken heart muscles make contractions incomplete and less effective, thus leading to low ejection fraction. Ultimately, low ejection fraction may cause heart failure over time. People with low ejection fraction may have symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, heart palpitation, nausea, shortness of breath, water retention in the abdomen or feet, and weakness. Furthermore, ejection fraction can be improved by increasing physical activities, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting the amount of sodium and fluids consumed, and quitting unhealthy habits such as smoking, recreational drug usage, and alcohol.
What is Stroke Volume?
Stroke volume along with heart rate determines cardiac output and peripheral perfusion. Stroke volume helps doctors to figure out whether the heart is moving enough blood forward in bulk to meet the needs and metabolic demands of human body. Stroke volume can be calculated by subtracting the end-systolic volume from the end-diastolic volume.
The normal range of stroke volume is 50 to 100 ml. Stroke volume is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In low stroke volume, people may have symptoms such as low blood pressure, weak pulse, cool extremities, decreased urine output, and altered mental status such as confusion, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, and fatigue. Furthermore, low stroke volume can be improved through aerobic exercise training.
Similarities Between Ejection Fraction and Stroke Volume
- Ejection fraction and stroke volume are two related terms.
- Both can give important information about the cardiac function.
- The value of stroke volume is used when calculating ejection fraction.
- Both help doctors to diagnose heart-related conditions.
- Both can be improved by doing certain activities.
Difference Between Ejection Fraction and Stroke Volume
Definition
- Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood ejected from a heart chamber with each contraction.
- Stroke volume is the actual volume of blood pumped from the ventricle per beat.
Calculation
- Ejection fraction is determined by the dividing the value of stroke volume by end diastolic volume and multiplying by 100.
- Stroke volume is determined by subtracting the end-systolic volume from the end-diastolic volume.
Normal Value
- Ejection fraction in a healthy heart is 50% to 70%.
- The normal range of stroke volume is 50 to 100 ml.
Symptoms When Values Are Low
- Low ejection fraction may give rise to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, heart palpitation, nausea, shortness of breath, water retention in the abdomen or feet, and weakness.
- Low stroke volume may give rise to symptoms such as low blood pressure, weak pulse, cool extremities, decreased urine output, and altered mental status such as confusion, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, and fatigue.
Associated with
- Low ejection fraction is associated with heart failure.
- Low stroke volume is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How to Improve
- Ejection fraction can be improved by increasing physical activities, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting the amount of sodium and fluids consumed, and quitting unhealthy habits such as smoking, recreational drug usage and alcohol.
- Stroke volume can be improved by aerobic exercise training.
The following table summarizes the difference between ejection fraction and stroke volume.
Summary – Ejection Fraction vs Stroke Volume
Cardiac function refers to the heart’s capability to fulfill its task as the pump of the blood circuit. Ejection fraction and stroke volume are two related terms that can give important information about cardiac function. Ejection fraction is the percentage of blood ejected from a heart chamber with each contraction, whereas stroke volume is the actual volume of blood pumped from the ventricle per beat. This is the summary of the difference between ejection fraction and stroke volume.
FAQ: Ejection Fraction and Stroke Volume
1. What is the difference between EDV and ESV?
- End diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) are two different terms. End-diastolic volume (EDV) is the amount of blood in the ventricle before contraction, while end-systolic volume (ESV) is the blood remaining after ejection. In healthy people, EDV is approximately 120 mL, and ESV is around 50 mL.
2. What is a normal ejection fraction by age?
- Ejection fraction is used to determine the percentage of blood that leaves a ventricle each time the heart beats. The normal ejection fraction range is 52–72% for men and 54–74% for women.
3. What is the significance of low ejection fraction?
- Low ejection fraction is the measurement that falls below the normal ejection fraction range. It means the heart isn’t functioning as well as it should be. Hence, low ejection fraction is an indication for pre-existing heart disease.
4. What is the normal amount of stroke volume?
- Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat, calculated as the difference between end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. The normal range is 50 to 100 mL and is typically measured using a pulmonary artery catheter.
5. What is the difference between stroke volume and cardiac output?
- Cardiac output is the product of heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). It is measured in liters per minute. SV is the volume of blood ejected during each stroke of the heart.
Reference:
1. “Ejection Fraction: What It Is, Types and Normal Range.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “Heart Stroke Volume.” An Overview | Science Direct.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Key Differences Between HFpEF and HFrEF” By Peter Paul Toth – (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “2031 Factors in Cardiac Output” By OpenStax College – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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