What is the term used to describe heart failure with a reduced EF?

The term used to describe heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (EF) is HFrEF, which stands for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction. This condition is characterized by the heart's inability to pump effectively due to a decrease in the heart's pumping capacity, leading to an EF of less than 40%. Recognizing HFrEF is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management because it typically entails specific therapeutic strategies aimed at improving heart function and symptoms.

In contrast, HFpEF refers to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, where the heart maintains a normal ejection fraction but still fails to pump effectively due to issues like stiffness or diastolic dysfunction. CHF, or congestive heart failure, is a more general term that describes heart failure regardless of the ejection fraction. LVH, or left ventricular hypertrophy, refers to the thickening of the heart's left ventricle and is often a consequence of conditions such as hypertension but is not a specific type of heart failure. Therefore, identifying HFrEF is key in providing targeted therapy and management for patients with this form of heart failure.