$Heart protected by glowing lines, symbolizing ejection fraction and BNP levels.$

Decoding Heart Failure: How Ejection Fraction and BNP Levels Can Save Lives

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understand the critical roles of ejection fraction and B-type natriuretic peptide in predicting stroke and heart attack risks."

Heart failure (HF) occurs when the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to breathlessness, fatigue, and fluid build-up. Affecting millions worldwide, heart failure carries a significant risk of complications and reduced lifespan. Understanding and managing this condition effectively is crucial.

Key measurements like ejection fraction (EF), which indicates how well the heart pumps, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a hormone reflecting heart stress, help doctors assess heart failure severity. By monitoring these indicators, healthcare providers can better predict potential dangers like stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Recent studies emphasize the importance of incorporating both EF and BNP levels into routine heart failure management. This approach offers a more detailed understanding of a patient's condition, allowing for customized treatment plans and proactive interventions that can significantly improve outcomes.

What is Ejection Fraction and Why Does It Matter?

Heart protected by glowing lines, symbolizing ejection fraction and BNP levels.

Ejection fraction (EF) is a vital measurement that shows the percentage of blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction. A normal EF typically ranges from 55% to 70%. When the heart's pumping ability is compromised, the EF decreases, signaling potential heart failure.

Doctors classify heart failure based on EF ranges: reduced EF (rEF) is less than 40%, mid-range EF (mrEF) falls between 40% and 49%, and preserved EF (pEF) is 50% or higher. Each category requires a tailored approach to treatment.

Reduced Ejection Fraction (rEF): Indicates a weakened heart muscle, often requiring medications to improve pumping strength.
Mid-Range Ejection Fraction (mrEF): Presents a diagnostic challenge, often needing further tests to determine the best course of action.
Preserved Ejection Fraction (pEF): Suggests the heart muscle contracts normally but may have difficulty relaxing, requiring treatments focused on managing symptoms and improving heart function.

Research consistently demonstrates that lower EF values are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events. For example, patients with rEF are more likely to experience stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to those with pEF. Monitoring EF helps healthcare providers proactively manage these risks.

Taking Control of Your Heart Health

Understanding heart failure involves knowing your ejection fraction and BNP levels. Regular monitoring and proactive management, guided by healthcare professionals, can significantly reduce risks and improve your quality of life. Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your heart health for a better future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/clc.23140, Alternate LINK

Title: Ejection Fraction, B-Type Natriuretic Peptide And Risk Of Stroke And Acute Myocardial Infarction Among Patients With Heart Failure

Subject: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Journal: Clinical Cardiology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Barry Greenberg, Eric D. Peterson, Jeffrey S. Berger, François Laliberté, Qi Zhao, Guillaume Germain, Dominique Lejeune, Jennifer W. Wu, Patrick Lefebvre, Gregg C. Fonarow

Published: 2019-01-07

Everything You Need To Know

What is Ejection Fraction, and why is it important to know my levels?

Ejection Fraction (EF) is the measurement of how much blood the left ventricle pumps out with each contraction, expressed as a percentage. It is important because it helps determine how well your heart is pumping blood to meet your body's needs. Different EF ranges indicate different types of heart failure, such as reduced EF (rEF), mid-range EF (mrEF), and preserved EF (pEF), each requiring specific treatment approaches. Lower EF values are associated with higher risks of cardiovascular events like stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

What is B-type natriuretic peptide and why is it important?

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone released by the heart in response to stress or damage. Measuring BNP levels is important because elevated levels indicate that the heart is working harder than it should and can reflect the severity of heart failure. Monitoring BNP levels allows healthcare providers to assess the heart's condition, predict potential risks, and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Although not explicitly detailed, BNP complements Ejection Fraction (EF) in providing a more comprehensive view of heart health.

What does it mean if I have Reduced Ejection Fraction (rEF)?

Reduced Ejection Fraction (rEF) means that the heart's left ventricle is pumping out less blood than normal with each contraction, specifically less than 40%. This indicates a weakened heart muscle that may require medication to improve its pumping strength. Patients with rEF are at a higher risk of experiencing cardiovascular events like stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Effective management typically includes medications to enhance the heart's pumping ability.

What are the different classifications of heart failure based on Ejection Fraction?

There are three classifications of heart failure based on Ejection Fraction (EF): reduced EF (rEF), mid-range EF (mrEF), and preserved EF (pEF). Reduced EF (rEF) is when the EF is less than 40%, indicating a weakened heart muscle. Mid-range EF (mrEF) falls between 40% and 49%, often requiring further tests for diagnosis. Preserved EF (pEF) is 50% or higher, suggesting the heart muscle contracts normally but may have difficulty relaxing. Each category necessitates a tailored treatment approach.

Why is it important to regularly monitor Ejection Fraction and BNP levels?

Regular monitoring of both Ejection Fraction (EF) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels is essential for managing heart health. Proactive management, guided by healthcare professionals, can significantly reduce the risks associated with heart failure. By staying informed about these key indicators, individuals can work with their healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans, make necessary lifestyle adjustments, and improve their overall quality of life.