DCM Numbers to Know

55%-65%

A number including and between 55-65% represents a normal ejection fraction. The ejection fraction is the percentage of volume of blood that is pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat. A normal heart empties between 55% to 65% of its blood volume with each heartbeat.

  • 50%-55% represents borderline low ejection fraction
  • 40%-50% represents mildly reduced ejection fraction
  • 30%-40% represents moderately reduced ejection fraction
  • Less than 30% represents severely reduced ejection fraction

60-100

This is the normal heart rate (pulse) range when not exercising. Some people can have a normal heart rate in the 50’s and even 40’s. Sustained non-exercise heart rates above 100 are always abnormal in an adult.

1 in 250

One person for every 250 has been estimated to have DCM.

40%

The percentage of people with DCM for whom a genetic cause can be clearly identified.

20% to 30%

The percentage of people with DCM who have at least one other family member with evidence of DCM.

90%

The fraction of DCM inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. “Autosomal dominant” is a genetic term meaning that there is 50% chance of inheriting the genetic abnormality that leads to DCM.

>130/>80

Any top number of 130 or more and any bottom number or 80 or more represents hypertension or high blood pressure.

>30

The number of different genes that have been identified to cause DCM.

18.5-24.9

Normal Body Mass Index (BMI), which represents normal weight

25-29.9

BMIs in the overweight range

30 and greater

BMIs representing obesity