What type of heart failure is characterized by a reduced ejection fraction?

Systolic heart failure is characterized by a reduced ejection fraction, which refers to the heart's decreased ability to contract and pump blood effectively during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. Ejection fraction is a measurement that quantifies how much blood is being pumped out of the heart with each beat, and in systolic heart failure, this percentage is typically less than the normal range of about 55-70%.

In this condition, the heart muscle may be weakened due to various underlying causes, such as ischemic heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy, leading to inefficient blood flow to meet the body's demands. This reduced ejection fraction distinguishes systolic heart failure from diastolic heart failure, where the heart may pump normally but has problems with filling due to stiffening of the heart muscle. Congestive heart failure is a broader term that can encompass both types but doesn't specifically refer to the ejection fraction. Right-sided heart failure pertains to the dysfunctional pumping of the right ventricle, but it can occur with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. Therefore, the hallmark of systolic heart failure is the reduced ejection fraction, making it the correct answer.