From 27% to 61%: Understanding Ejection Fraction and a Remarkable Heart Recovery.
- The Chairman
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
The Power of Modern Medicine, Faith, and Persistence
In April 2025, I received news that changed my life.
After experiencing atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AFib with RVR) and symptoms of congestive heart failure, an echocardiogram revealed that my heart's ejection fraction (EF) had fallen to just 27%.
For perspective, a normal ejection fraction ranges between 55% and 70%.
An EF of 27% means the heart is pumping less than one-third of the blood contained in the left ventricle with each heartbeat. This level is considered severely reduced and is often associated with heart failure symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, and exercise intolerance.
Fortunately, that was not the end of the story.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Date | Ejection Fraction (EF) |
April 2025 | 27% |
May 2025 | 64% |
June 2026 | 61% |
My most recent echocardiogram performed at Weston Clinic on June 5, 2026 showed:
Left ventricular systolic function is normal.
Ejection Fraction = 61%.
Right ventricular function is normal.
No significant valvular abnormalities.
Normal pulmonary artery pressures.
No evidence of active heart failure.
No significant change from the previous study performed on May 30, 2025.
The report confirms that my heart function has remained stable and in the normal range for more than a year.
What Is Ejection Fraction?
Many people hear the term "ejection fraction" but are unsure what it means.
Think of your heart as a pump.
The left ventricle fills with blood and then contracts to push blood throughout the body. Ejection fraction measures the percentage of blood pumped out during each contraction.
General Guidelines
55% to 70% = Normal
50% to 55% = Low-normal
40% to 49% = Mildly reduced
Below 40% = Reduced heart function
Below 30% = Severely reduced heart function
An EF of 61% means that my heart is pumping efficiently and delivering oxygen-rich blood throughout the body as it should.
Understanding Heart Rate and Infraction Rate
Many people use the term "infraction rate" when they are actually referring to heart rate.
Heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM).
For most adults:
Normal resting heart rate: 60–100 BPM
Well-conditioned athletes: 40–60 BPM
During exercise: 100–170 BPM depending on age and fitness level
When I was hospitalized in 2025 with atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response, my heart rate frequently reached 150–170 BPM.
At those speeds, the heart is beating so rapidly that it may not have enough time to fill properly between contractions. Over time, this can weaken the heart muscle and contribute to a decline in ejection fraction.
The good news is that when the abnormal rhythm is corrected and the heart rate is controlled, heart function can often improve significantly.
That appears to be exactly what happened in my case.
Why This Matters
A year ago, the future was uncertain.
Today, my echocardiogram shows:
Normal pumping strength
Stable heart function
No significant valve disease
Normal pressures within the lungs
No signs of worsening heart failure
These results demonstrate something important:
The heart has an incredible ability to recover when underlying conditions are identified and treated appropriately.
Lessons Learned
This experience reinforced several important lessons:
Pay attention to symptoms.
Seek medical care early.
Follow your treatment plan.
Take medications as prescribed.
Monitor your health regularly.
Never underestimate the importance of diet, exercise, weight management, and sleep.
Maintain faith and a positive outlook.
A Thank You
I am grateful to my wife Teresa, my family, friends, and the outstanding medical professionals who guided me through this journey.
I am especially thankful for the physicians, nurses, technicians, and staff who helped transform a frightening diagnosis into a story of recovery.
While no one can guarantee what tomorrow brings, today's report is a reminder that setbacks do not always define the future.
Sometimes, with the right care, determination, and support, recovery is not only possible—it can exceed expectations.
From 27% to 61%—proof that a heart can heal.
— Robert W. Sutton
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