Fs

[MissaBaby]

I was looking at my Echo report and though my EF went from a 35 to a 50. The FS went from a 32 to a 31. Why would that be? I know it's not a large number, but is it concerning? I would have thought that number (FS) would have gone up with the EF....am I splitting hairs?

[JAMESFETT]

Not to worry about that. While FS and EF follow the same general lines, they are different methods and therefore will not show total concurrence. In any case your FS is in the normal range of 30 or higher, and one point difference in FS means nothing, since it is in the "range of variation" on any two measures taken at the same time. We always use the higher of the two.

James

[Deb]

Okay, what is FS?

[JAMESFETT]

Fractional shortening (FS) is an echo measure that measures the same thing that EF does. It tells how much the left ventricle contracts with each pumping (systole)(ESD) from the filling (diastole) (EDD). The diameter (in cms) of the left ventricle is measured at both systole and diastole, and the FS is determined by the formula:

EDD-ESD divided by EDD x100 = FS, and normal = 30 percent or higher.

James