The load independence of the end-systolic pressure-length relationship of the heart.
The end-systolic pressure-volume relationship is the state of the art in the measurement of myocardial contractility. This index is load-independent and relatively independent of heart rate. In this study the load-independent character of the end-systolic pressure-length (ESPL) relationship was evaluated in dogs under general anaesthesia. The results indicated that the ESPL is pre- and afterload-independent, since the comparative values of ESPL from afterloaded and reduced preload contractions did not differ significantly (N = 75; P = 0.5993). The application of the ESPL relationship as a means of describing the function of the heart as a muscle as well as a pump is discussed.
Department of Anaesthetics, University of Stellenbosch, Parowvallei, CP.
A R
AR
Coetzee
P R
PR
Fourie
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E
Badenhorst
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D013318:Stroke Volume