Ask Dr. Gillinov: Why Can The Ejection Fraction Fall After Heart Valve Surgery?

The ejection fraction is an important diagnostic tool used to evaluate the heart's ability to pump blood. A normal ejection fraction is typically between 55% to 65% for patients. In this video, Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, addresses the reasons why the ejection fraction can fall after heart valve surgery and what can be done to help restore (or remodel) the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the patient's body. (Video posted on February 24, 2020)