[Cardiac output and left ventricular function].
The Doppler ultrasound cardiography theoretically enables to measure the output at different sites of the cardiovascular system. Several studies now demonstrate a good correlation with haemodynamics. Doppler output measurements are however very sensitive to errors, even small ones; the examination must therefore by very thoroughly carried out in order to be valid. The velocity and acceleration of the blood flow may also be measured by Doppler, but the clinical applications for evaluation of the systolic function of the left ventricle still remain limited. The field which now appears to be the most promising is that of analysis of the diastolic function of the left ventricle, based on the mitral diastolic flow, especially in patients presenting a left heart failure with a normal systolic function as well as in certain conditions of volume overload. The non invasive evaluation of the intracardiac pressures with the Doppler, also proves interesting in some cases.
Dumesnil
J G
JG
Institut de Cardiologie de Québec, Sainte-Foy, Canada.
D001794:Blood Pressure; D002302:Cardiac Output; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016276:Ventricular Function
Débit cardiaque et fonction ventriculaire gauche.