Interdependence of the left and right ventricles in health and disease.
Since the publication of Bernheim's report it has been clear that the anatomic and functional integrity of each ventricle is an important determinant of the functional characteristics of the other ventricle. How the ventricles interact in health and disease has been of interest to many investigators. This article reviews and considers the structure and function of each ventricle as an independent subunit and as a unified pumping system in the healthy state and in various disease states.
Clyne
C A
CA
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.
Alpert
J S
JS
Benotti
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D016276:Ventricular Function