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Fractional Shortening (FS)

Fractional Shortening is a measure of left heart pumping
function, although it is limited because it depends on left
ventricular loading. For example, reduced left ventricular
afterload (as in mitral valve problems, ventricular septal
defect or low blood pressure) increases ventricular
shortening so it increases fractional shortening - even
though heart function is not better.
	EF is now usually used instead of FS.

Percent of fractional shortening =
difference between end-diastolic and end-systolic
dimensions divided by end-diastolic dimension.

FS =
EDD minus ESD divided by EDD times 100, where
EDD = LV End Diastolic Dimension and
ESD = LV End Systolic Dimension

Average FS is 36%;
Normal range is 34 to 44%.

Notes:
EDD = end diastolic dimension
ESD  = end systolic dimension
LV = left ventricular or left ventricle