What defines a borderline ejection fraction in HFpEF?

A borderline ejection fraction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by an ejection fraction (EF) of 41-49%. This classification is important because patients with HFpEF often present with symptoms of heart failure despite having a relatively preserved EF. Understanding this range helps clinicians distinguish between those who may be in a transitional or borderline state, where heart failure symptoms may be present but do not meet the criteria for more clearly defined heart failure categories.

Ejection fraction, which measures the percentage of blood the heart pumps out with each contraction, helps guide diagnosis and treatment decisions in heart failure management. In the context of HFpEF, those with an EF below 40% are typically categorized under heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), while those with an EF greater than 50% are usually considered to have a fully preserved ejection fraction. The 41-49% range thus serves as a critical marker for identifying those who may require specific interventions tailored to their condition, emphasizing the nuanced understanding of heart failure syndromes.