Anatomy

The smooth membrane covering the inside of the heart. The innermost lining of the heart.

The percentage of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat. Normal is 55% or above; below 40% indicates heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A key measurement after cardiac arrest, influencing ICD implantation decisions and medication choices. Measured by echocardiogram or cardiac MRI.

The blood vessel connecting the aorta with the pulmonary artery before birth. The full name is ‘Ductus Arteriosus’. It usually closes within the early days or weeks after birth. If it remains open after this time it is called a Patent (or Persistent) Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).