As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of addressing heart health and the significance of ejection fraction (EF) as a key indicator of how well the heart is pumping blood. Ejection fraction is a measure of the percentage of blood that the left ventricle of the heart pumps out with each beat. A normal ejection fraction is generally considered to be between 55% and 70%. An ejection fraction below 40% is considered low and may indicate heart failure.
To improve ejection fraction, several steps can be taken:
1. Medications: Certain medications can help improve the heart's ability to pump blood. These include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors or ARBs to improve blood flow and reduce stress on the heart, beta-blockers to control heart rate and blood pressure, and in some cases, inotropic medications to strengthen the heart's contractions.
2. Dietary Changes: A heart-healthy diet is crucial. Limiting sodium intake to 2,000 mg a day can help manage fluid retention and reduce the workload on the heart. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients and support overall cardiovascular health.
3. Fluid Management: With a low EF, the heart may not pump blood as efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and difficulty breathing. It's important to monitor and manage fluid intake to prevent this.
4. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can strengthen the heart and improve
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