Mechanical characteristics of the failing left ventricle.
Overall cardiac performance depends on both the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV). Determinants of LV systolic function include preload, afterload, and contractility. In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), abnormalities of systolic and diastolic function often coexist. In addition, compensatory changes that develop in response to low cardiac output and high ventricular pressures can affect the mechanical characteristics of the LV. Therapy of CHF is aimed at improving myocardial contractility and reducing both preload and afterload. Agents that can relieve volume overload and those that decrease intrinsic LV chamber stiffness (and increase compliance) will improve diastolic function.
Greenberg
B H
BH
Department of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans