Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Circulation
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Circulation. 1995;92:1933-1939

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Little, W. C.
Right arrow Articles by Cheng, C.-P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Little, W. C.
Right arrow Articles by Cheng, C.-P.

(Circulation. 1995;92:1933-1939.)
© 1995 American Heart Association, Inc.


Articles

Determination of Left Ventricular Chamber Stiffness From the Time for Deceleration of Early Left Ventricular Filling

Presented in part at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Dallas, Tex, November 1994.

William C. Little, MD; Michiya Ohno, MD; Dalane W. Kitzman, MD; James D. Thomas, MD; Che-Ping Cheng, MD, PhD

From the Cardiology Section, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC; and the Cardiovascular Imaging Center (J.D.T.), Department of Cardiology, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.

Correspondence to William C. Little, MD, Cardiology Section, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1045.


*    Abstract
up arrowTop
*Abstract
down arrowIntroduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowAppendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
Background A noninvasive measure of left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffness (KLV) would be clinically useful. Our theoretical analysis predicts that KLV can be calculated from the time for deceleration of LV early filling (tdec) by


where {rho}=density of blood, L=effective mitral length, and A=mitral area.

Methods and Results We tested this hypothesis in eight conscious dogs instrumented for measurement of LV pressure (P) with use of a micromanometer and volume (V) with use of sonomicrometers. KLV was determined as the slope of the late diastolic portion of the LV P-V loop. KLV was varied from 0.99±0.35 to 2.58±0.92 mm Hg/mL with use of three graded doses of phenylephrine. We assumed that {rho}=1.0 and that L/A=3.4. Thus, we predicted that KLV=(0.08/tdec)2 . The LV filling pattern was determined from the derivative of LV volume (dV/dt). tdec was measured from peak early filling to the end of early filling. Predicted KLV and actual KLV were closely correlated (r=.94, SEE=0.06 mm Hg/mL, P<.05). The regression line was close to the line of identity (slope=0.95, intercept=0.13 mm Hg/mL). Dobutamine did not alter the relation between tdec and KLV. tdec determined from the mitral valve flow velocity measured with Doppler echocardiography correlated well with that measured by dV/dt (r=.89, P<.01) but was 0.02 seconds longer. KLV-calculated tdec from the corrected Doppler tdec provided a good estimate of measured KLV (r=.75, SEE=0.5 mm Hg/mL, P<.01).

Conclusions LV chamber stiffness can be determined from the time for deceleration of LV early filling, which can be measured noninvasively.


Key Words: ventricles • chamber stiffness


*    Introduction
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
*Introduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowAppendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
The pattern of left ventricular (LV) filling determined by Doppler echocardiography or nuclear angiography is used to noninvasively evaluate LV diastolic performance. Although abnormal LV diastolic properties alter the pattern of LV filling, it has not been possible to measure LV chamber stiffness noninvasively.1

Conditions associated with increased LV stiffness are associated with a more rapid rate of deceleration of early filling and a shorter time for this deceleration. Based on theoretical analyses, Thomas et al2 3 and Flachskampf et al4 have predicted that the rate of early flow deceleration should vary directly with atrial pressure and mitral valve area and inversely with the combined stiffness of the left atrium (LA) and LV. We recently observed that during the time of early filling deceleration, LA pressure is relatively constant.5 Thus, during this period the apparent stiffness of the LA is very low. Our previous theoretical analysis5 predicted that the early filling deceleration time (tdec) should be proportional to the inverse square root of LV stiffness or 1/. Our observations in conscious dogs during the progressive development of pacing-induced heart failure were consistent with this prediction.5 This suggests that the chamber stiffness of the LV could be calculated from the time for early filling deceleration (tdec). This has practical clinical importance, since tdec can be measured noninvasively with the use of Doppler echocardiography.

Before tdec can be used to measure KLV, several issues remain. First, the proportionality constant between tdec and KLV must be evaluated. Our initial theoretical analysis predicted that


However, in this derivation, the numerical constant () depends on the time during flow deceleration that the integral of dV/dt is evaluated. If KLV is to be calculated from tdec, the proportionality constant must be known exactly. In "Appendix 1," we provide a new analysis that avoids this problem. Second, the ability of tdec to predict KLV must be evaluated prospectively. Finally, tdec in our experimental studies is measured from analysis of the derivative of LV volume (dV/dt). In clinical studies, tdec is determined with the use of Doppler mitral valve flow velocity. Thus, tdec measured with the use of these two techniques must be compared. This study was undertaken to address these issues in conscious dogs.


*    Methods
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
*Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowAppendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
Instrumentation
Healthy mongrel dogs weighing between 24 and 37 kg were instrumented with use of the technique that we have described previously.6 7 Anesthesia was induced with xylazine (2.0 mg/kg IM) and sodium pentobarbital (6 mg/kg IV) and maintained with halothane (1% to 2%). The pericardium was opened through a left thoracotomy. Micromanometer pressure transducers (Konigsberg Instruments) and polyvinyl catheters for transducer calibration (1.1 mm ID) were inserted into the LV through an LV apical stab wound and into the LA through the LA appendage. Three pairs of ultrasonic crystals (5 MHz) were implanted in the endocardium of the LV to measure the anterior-posterior, septal-lateral, and base-apex dimensions.8 All wires and tubing were exteriorized through the posterior neck.

Data Collection
Studies were begun after full recovery from instrumentation (10 days to 2 weeks after surgery). The LV and the LA catheters were connected to pressure transducers (Sratham p23Db, Gould) calibrated with a mercury manometer. The signal from the micromanometer was adjusted to match that of the catheter. The LA micromanometer was adjusted to match LA and LV pressures at the end of long periods of diastasis.

The analog signals were recorded on an eight-channel oscillograph (Astro-Med), digitized with an on-line analog-to-digital converter (Data Translation Devices) at 200 Hz, and stored on a floppy disk memory system by use of a 386 computer system. Each data acquisition period lasted for 12 seconds, spanning several respiratory cycles.

Experimental Protocol
Data were recorded with unsedated animals lying quietly in a sling. Control data were acquired after full recovery from the surgical instrumentation. In eight animals, LV chamber stiffness (KLV) was varied with the use of three graded doses of phenylephrine (approximately 2, 4, and 6 µg/kg per minute). In a separate group of seven dogs, the effect of increasing contractility and speeding the rate of relaxation was assessed by dobutamine infusion (approximately 5 µg/kg per minute).

Doppler Echocardiography
Immediately after the acquisition of the micromanometer/ultrasonic crystal data and during similar heart rates, image-directed, pulsed-wave spectral Doppler tracings of mitral valve inflow were performed from the LV apex with the use of a Hewlett-Packard model Sonos 1500 ultrasound imaging system fitted with a dual-frequency 3.5/2.7-MHz transducer, an S-VHS video recorder, and an optical digital disk recorder in six of the animals during phenylephrine infusion. A small sample volume was placed at the mitral valve leaflet tips, and the transducer position was adjusted to align the cursor as close to perpendicular to the mitral valve annulus as possible and to maximize flow velocity and minimize spectral dispersion. Tracings were made at a 100-mm/s sweep speed, and several multiple-beat, digital cineloops were recorded for analysis.

Postmortem Evaluation
At the conclusion of the studies, the animals were given an overdose of pentobarbital and the hearts were examined to confirm the proper positioning of the instrumentation.

Data Processing and Analysis
The stored digitized data were analyzed by computer algorithm developed in our laboratory. Hemodynamic values in each dog were obtained by averaging the data obtained during the steady-state recording spanning several respiratory cycles. End diastole was defined as the relative minimum of LV pressure after the A wave. If this was not clearly apparent, the peak R wave of the surface ECG was used to indicate end diastole. End ejection was defined as the time of minimum dP/dt. The LV volume was calculated as a general ellipsoid using the equation VLV=({pi}/6) · DAP · DSL · DLA, where DAP, DSL, and DLA are the anterior-posterior, septal-lateral, and long-axis dimensions. This method of volume calculation gives a consistent measure of LV volume (r>.97, SEE<2 mL) despite changes in LV loading conditions and chamber configuration.8 9 10 11

Ventricular filling patterns were measured with use of the time derivative of LV volume (dV/dt).6 7 The characteristics of these patterns were evaluated by determining the maximum rates of early diastolic LV filling (peak E) and atrial filling (peak A). The deceleration time of early diastolic LV filling (tdec) was defined as the time interval between maximum rate of early diastolic LV filling and the zero intercept of the deceleration slope, as previously described.5 When atrial filling occurred before early diastolic LV filling decelerated to zero, the slope was linearly extrapolated to the zero line to obtain tdec. The deceleration rate of early diastolic LV filling was calculated as peak E divided by tdec (Fig 1Down).



View larger version (25K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. Recordings of left ventricular (LV) pressure (PLV), LV volume (V), left atrial pressure (PLA), and a derivative of LV volume (dV/dt) in one animal during control and three graded doses of phenylephrine. In the first row, data show pressure-volume plane. Time for rapid filling deceleration (tdec) was measured from the LV filling curve determined from dV/dt as shown. LV chamber stiffness was measured as the average slope of the diastolic portion of the pressure-volume relation from the time of minimum LV pressure to end diastole. This period is indicated by a thicker line.

The average LV chamber stiffness during diastole was obtained by dividing the change of the pressure from the time of minimum LV pressure to end-diastolic pressure ({Delta}PLV) by the change of the volume during this period.

The time constant of the isovolumic fall in LV pressure was determined by fitting the steady-state data from end ejection to mitral valve opening to the equation P=PAe-t/T+PB, where t is the time from end ejection, T is the exponential time constant of relaxation, and PA and PB are constants determined by the data. The time derivatives of LV pressure and volume were calculated with use of the five-point gaussian technique.12

Analyses of the Doppler tracings were performed off-line by a single observer who was blinded to the results of micromanometer/ultrasonic crystal data analyses. Tracings were reloaded into the Hewlett-Packard Sonos 1500 ultrasound system from the optical-digital disk and analyzed with use of software provided with the system. The three best tracings were analyzed, and the results were averaged. Data were excluded if the mitral flow pattern was not adequately defined to measure tdec. Early diastolic flow deceleration time was measured as the time from the peak early filling velocity to termination of early filling. In tracings in which low velocity filtration of Doppler signals or the onset of late (atrial) filling obscured the termination of early diastolic flow, the flow velocity slope was extrapolated to the baseline.

Time Course of LA Pressure
We evaluated the time course of LA pressure during the time of early filling deceleration by dividing this period into four quarters.

Statistical Analysis
Changes in the variables with use of three doses of phenylephrine and dobutamine were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVA. If significant differences were present, paired comparisons between values at control and values after injection of phenylephrine and dobutamine were performed with use of the Student-Newman-Keuls test. A probability level of <.05 was accepted as significant. Values are expressed as mean±SD.


*    Results
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
*Results
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowAppendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
Effects of Phenylephrine on Hemodynamics
The effects of alterations in load with the three graded doses of phenylephrine on hemodynamic parameters are shown in Table 1Down. Phenylephrine did not significantly change heart rate. The graded doses of phenylephrine produced a progressive increase in LV end-diastolic pressure from the control of 8.3±3.8 to 15.1±6.0, 18.6±5.2, and 25.2±6.1 mm Hg (P<.05); LV end-systolic pressure from the control of 96.1±10.6 to 116.5±18.0, 126.6±14.8, and 147.8±14.1 mm Hg (P<.05); minimal LV pressure from the control of -1.3±3.3 to 1.1±4.4, 2.3±3.3, and 6.5±4.5 mm Hg (P<.05); and mean LA pressure from the control of 2.8±3.2 to 7.7±5.8, 11.3±5.0, and 19.5±6.0 mm Hg (P<.05). LV end-diastolic volume increased from the control of 40.6±14.0 to 44.1±14.5, 45.9±15.4, and 47.1±15.2 mL (P<.05), as did LV end-systolic volume from the control of 27.1±10.7 to 31.9±12.1, 33.4±12.2, and 36.3±12.7 mL (P<.05). However, stroke volume was almost unchanged until the second phenylephrine infusion; it then significantly decreased from the control of 13.5±3.7 to 10.8±4.4 mL (P<.05). The maximum early diastolic LA-LV gradient increased after the third phenylephrine infusion (from 4.6±1.2 to 8.6±2.3 mm Hg, P<.05), as did maximal early rapid filling (from 99±37 to 153±75 mL/s, P<.05). The tdec shortened progressively from 87±17 to 52±10 ms (P<.05).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1. Effects of Phenylephrine on Hemodynamic Variables

Prediction of LV Chamber Stiffness (KLV)
A typical example of the LV pressure-volume loops, LV and LA pressures, and dV/dt recorded during the three graded doses of phenylephrine is shown in Fig 1Up. Measured LV chamber stiffness progressively increased from 1.03±0.32 at control, reaching 2.62±0.87 mm Hg/mL at the highest dose (P<.05) (Table 1Up). Our theoretical analysis predicts that the time for deceleration of early filling (tdec) is given by


where {rho}=density of blood, L=effective mitral length, and A=mitral area (see "Appendix 1"). We assumed that {rho}=1.0 g/cm3 and that L/A=3.4. Thus, we predicted that KLV=(0.08/tdec)2. Predicted KLV and measured KLV were closely correlated (r=.94, SEE=0.06, P<.01) (Fig 2Down). The regression line was close to the line of identity (slope=0.95±0.06, intercept=0.13±0.11 mm Hg/mL).



View larger version (22K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. Plot of left ventricular chamber stiffness (KLV) predicted from the formula KLV=(0.08 s/tdec)2 compared with the directly measured KLV. Time for rapid filling deceleration was measured from dV/dt. There is excellent correlation, with the regression line being very close to the line of identity. Dotted lines are 95% confidence limits for the regression line; dashed line, 95% confidence limits for prediction of y from x.

Effect of Dobutamine
Dobutamine increased the heart rate from 108±13 to 121±11 beats per minute (P<.05) and LV dP/dtmax from 2023±121 to 2645±447 mm Hg/s (P<.05) and increased the rate of LV relaxation as indicated by a decrease in the time constant of LV pressure fall from 27.5±3.1 to 24.1±2.1 ms (P<.05) (Table 2Down). Dobutamine did not alter tdec or KLV. The relation between predicted and measured KLV was not significantly altered by dobutamine (Fig 3Down).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 2. Effects of Dobutamine on Hemodynamic Variables



View larger version (17K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. Plot of left ventricular chamber stiffness (KLV) predicted from time for rapid filling deceleration measured from dV/dt and measured KLV before and after dobutamine infusion superimposed on the regression line from Fig 2Up. Dobutamine increased heart rate, contractility, and speed of relaxation but did not alter the relation of predicted and measured KLV.

Measurement by Doppler
tdec measured from dV/dt and by Doppler determination of mitral flow were well correlated (r=.89, P<.01) (Fig 4Down). The slope of the regression line was close to unity (1.0±0.1). However, there was an offset of 0.02 seconds. We corrected for this offset and predicted KLV from the Doppler measured tdec as



View larger version (20K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 4. Plot of time for deceleration of early filling (tdec) measured from the left ventricular filling curve (dV/dt) compared with tdec measured from Doppler echocardiography measurements of mitral valve flow velocity. These measurements were closely correlated, and the slope of the regression line was close to one. However, there is an offset of 0.02 seconds.


This provided a good estimate of measured KLV (Fig 5Down), although there is more scatter than when tdec is measured from dV/dt.



View larger version (19K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 5. Plot of left ventricular chamber stiffness (KLV) predicted from the corrected Doppler deceleration time, KLV=[0.08 s/(tdec-0.02 s)]2 mm Hg/mL, compared with the measured KLV.

Time Course of LA Pressure
The time course of LA pressure during filling deceleration is shown in Fig 7Down. During all conditions, LA pressure did not significantly change during the first half of filling deceleration. At the end of the period, LA pressure increased. During control and the low dose of phenylephrine, there was no change three-quarters of the way through the deceleration period. There was an increase in LA pressure at this time at the two higher doses of phenylephrine.



View larger version (18K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 7. Line plot: Time course of left atrial (LA) pressure during the filling deceleration (t dec) period under control conditions and during three graded infusions of phenylephrine (Phenyl 1, 2, 3).


*    Discussion
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
*Discussion
down arrowAppendix 1
down arrowAppendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
The clinical evaluation of LV diastolic function has been a difficult challenge.1 Despite much effort, there has not been a noninvasive method to measure LV diastolic stiffness. In this study, we confirmed the theoretical prediction that the time for deceleration of early diastolic filling is determined by LV chamber stiffness. Thus, in conscious dogs, KLV can be approximated as (0.08 s/tdec)2 mm Hg/mL. In addition, we found that tdec can be measured by Doppler echocardiography. These results suggest a noninvasive method of clinically determining KLV.

As blood leaves the LA during early diastolic filling its pressure falls, and as LV relaxation and elastic recoil are completed, LV pressure begins to rise with the increase in LV volume.6 13 These effects decrease and then reverse the LA-LV pressure gradient. This decelerates and then stops the initial rapid flow into the ventricle. The magnitude of the fall in LA pressure and rise in LV pressure in early diastole depends both on the volume of the blood leaving the LA and entering the LV and on the stiffness of the LV and LA.2 3 14 However, during the time of early flow deceleration, there is rapid flow into the LA from the pulmonary veins.15 16 Thus, as we have observed previously,5 LA pressure initially remains relatively constant during early flow deceleration; this indicates that LA stiffness should not have an important influence on the deceleration of early filling.

Our theoretical analysis (see "Appendix 1") predicts that the early filling deceleration time should be proportional to the inverse of the square root of LV stiffness or


This is analogous to the oscillation time for a spring, which is proportional to the square root of the spring's stiffness constant. Furthermore, our analysis predicts that the proportionality constant between tdec and 1/ is


where {rho} is density of blood ({approx}1 g/cm3), L is the effective length, and A is the effective area of blood moving through the mitral orifice. We evaluated the proportionality constant as follows: Flachskampf et al17 showed that L, the effective length of the mitral flow orifice, is approximately three times the diameter of the orifice plus the length of the leaflets. Assuming a canine mitral area of 2 cm2 and leaflet length of 2 cm, this yields L/A=3.4. Using {rho}=1.0 g/cm3 and 1333 dyne/cm2=1 mm Hg results in


In patients with normal mitral functional area of 4 cm2 and mitral length of 3 cm,18 the constant would be similar, 0.07 seconds.

We evaluated this theoretical prediction that KLV can be estimated from tdec by altering LV stiffness by increasing LV afterload with phenylephrine. This increased LV diastolic volume causing the LV to operate on a steeper portion of its curvilinear diastolic P-V relation. Over the range of KLV we studied (1 to 4 mm Hg/mL), tdec measured from LV filling curve (dV/dt) provided an excellent estimate of KLV.

Our theoretical analysis predicts that tdec should be determined by KLV but not by the rate of LV relaxation, contractility, or heart rate. Consistent with this prediction, we found that although dobutamine increased LV contractility and the rate of LV relaxation, it did not alter the ability of tdec to predict KLV (Fig 3Up).

We determined LV stiffness from the slope of mid and late diastolic portions of the LV pressure loop, beginning at the time of minimum LV pressure, when LV relaxation is nearing completion. This period spans the time of flow deceleration. Thus, the KLV we determined indicates the functional LV chamber stiffness during the time of flow deceleration and may differ from the passive or end-diastolic stiffness. The LV diastolic pressure-volume relation is exponential in shape, with increasing slope (ie, stiffness) with increasing volume. Thus, the increase in average stiffness (KLV) we measured by infusion of phenylephrine resulted from the increase in LV volume.

Can KLV be calculated from tdec when the LV stiffness is altered by pathological conditions? We previously observed that tdec, measured from dV/dt, and 1/ were linearly related as KLV increased during the development of pacing-induced heart failure.5 We reanalyzed this data, as shown in Fig 6Down. The predicted and measured KLV are similar when KLV is varied by phenylephrine or during the induction of pacing-induced heart failure and not altered by dobutamine. In each animal, measured and predicted KLV were linearly related (r=.78±.07, SEE=0.5±0.2 mL, P<.05 in each animal). This suggests that KLV can be estimated by tdec during pathological conditions.



View larger version (27K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 6. Plot shows individual data points for predicted and measured left ventricular chamber stiffness (KLV) during phenylephrine infusion, the serial development of pacing-induced heart failure (CHF), and before and after dobutamine infusion. Points describe a single regression line close to the line of identity.

We used endocardial diameter gauges to measure LV volume. This technique has been extensively validated in past studies and accurately reflects LV volume under a wide variety of normal and pathological conditions.8 9 10 11 In patients, Doppler measurements of the mitral valve flow velocity are used to assess LV filling patterns. This technique has the advantage that it is noninvasive and can be repeated serially. In this study, we found that tdec measured from the Doppler mitral flow tracing correlated very well with tdec measured from dV/dt. However, tdec from the Doppler flow velocity tracing was on the average about 20 ms longer than tdec measured from dV/dt. This could be due to an underestimation of tdec by the ultrasonically measured dV/dt. However, there are several possible reasons why Doppler might overestimate tdec. First, the measurement of the Doppler signal was made with use of the outside edge of the Doppler envelope, which is the most clearly discernible. Second, Doppler peak filling velocities are not determined solely by LV chamber diastolic properties.5 The Doppler velocity profile at a single point in the inflow tract is influenced both by the LV volume change (dV/dt) and by the propagation of the inflow wave past the sample point. Third, the mitral leaflets come together during flow deceleration. The resulting decrease in mitral valve cross-sectional area would tend to delay the fall in the flow velocity, producing a longer tdec. All of these factors may contribute to the longer tdec determined by Doppler. Finally, obtaining high-quality Doppler recordings of mitral valve velocities is technically more difficult in instrumented dogs than clinically in humans.

The theoretical analysis depends on the simplifying assumption that LA pressure is relatively constant during flow deceleration. We observed previously that this is correct during the first three quarters of the period of filing deceleration.5 However, by the end of the period of tdec, LA pressure increases (see Fig 7Up). With the higher doses of phenylephrine, LA pressure was constant only through the first half of the filling deceleration period. Increases in LA pressure during filling deceleration would be a source of potential error in the calculation of KLV from tdec. "Appendix 2" contains an evaluation of the magnitude of this error. Under control conditions, the assumption of a constant LA pressure produced less than a 5% overestimation of KLV. Under the worst case, during high-dose phenylephrine, the assumption produced up to a 14% overestimation of KLV.

Our data suggest that Doppler-derived tdec may have to be corrected by subtracting 0.02 seconds in order to predict KLV. Taking into account the size of the mitral apparatus in patients, this results in the formula for patients


The wider scatter in the Doppler-derived data may result partially from the technical difficulty in obtaining Doppler mitral valve recordings in the instrumented animals. Even if this problem were avoided, the estimation of KLV from Doppler tdec would not be accurate enough to detect small changes but should be able to distinguish changes of the order of 1 mm Hg/mL.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates that early diastolic filling deceleration time decreases as LV stiffness increases. Our observations are consistent with a theoretical analysis that predicts that KLV=(0.08/tdec)2 mm Hg/mL. Furthermore, this study suggests that Doppler measurement of tdec may be a clinically useful noninvasive method to evaluate LV chamber stiffness.


*    Acknowledgments
 
This study was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (HL-45258 and HL-42364) and the American Heart Association (21218710385 and 930133380). We gratefully acknowledge the expert secretarial assistance of Judy McClenny, the computer programming of Ping Tan, and the technical assistance of Mack Williams and Piper Millsaps.


*    Appendix 1
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
*Appendix 1
down arrowAppendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
By Newton's second law, the deceleration rate of early diastolic filling is equal to the force (F) applied to the blood divided by the mass (M) of the blood:


(1)

The force producing deceleration after peak early flow is the reverse pressure gradient across the mitral valve (PLV-PLA) multiplied by the mitral valve area (A). The mass of blood is determined by density of blood ({rho}) and the volume of blood in the mitral orifice, which is given by the effective area (A) multiplied by the effective length (L).14 17 Deceleration is the negative rate of change of flow velocity (-dv/dt). Flow velocity (v) is equal to the rate of change of LV volume (dV/dt) divided by the mitral area [(dV/dt)/A]. Therefore


(2)


Since PLA is approximately constant during flow deceleration, differentiating Equation 2Up produces


(3)

The chamber stiffness of the LV is defined as KLV=dPLV/dV. Since v · A=dV/dt, applying the chain rule results in


(4)

Combining Equations 3 and 4,


(5)

This linear second-order differential equation has a solution of the form y(t)=a · cos(b · t), where d2v/dt2=-a · b2 · cos(bt). If we define t=0 to be at the peak of the E wave, v(0)=E, then


(6)

Since v(t) reaches zero at t={pi}/2, the time for early flow deceleration (tdec) is given by


(7)

Therefore, within the accuracy of the simplifying assumptions, this analysis predicts that the time for early filling deceleration should be inversely related to the square root of LV stiffness. The proportionality constant depends on the viscosity of blood ({rho}) and an anatomic factor, the ratio of the effective length to the effective area of the mitral valve apparatus. This conclusion differs from our previous derivation5 only in the numerical constant ({pi}/2 versus ).

We evaluate the proportionality constant as follows. Flachskampf et al17 showed that L, the effective length of the mitral flow orifice, is approximately three times the diameter of the orifice plus the length of the leaflets. Assuming a canine mitral area of 2 cm2 and leaflets 2 cm long, this yields L/A=3.4. Using {rho}=1.0 g/cm3 and 1333 dyne/cm2=1 mm Hg results in


(8)

Rearranging results in


(9)


*    Appendix 2
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
up arrowAppendix 1
*Appendix 2
down arrowReferences
 
The analysis in "Appendix 1" requires the assumption that PLA remains constant during flow deceleration. To determine the size of the error, this assumption produces in our conclusion that KLV can be calculated from tdec. In this analysis we do not assume that PLA remains constant.

Without assuming that PLA is constant, Equation 3Up in "Appendix 1" becomes


(10)

Equation 4Up becomes


(11)

K*LA is the ratio of the change in LA pressure to the volume that leaves the LA and enters the LV during flow deceleration. This apparent LA stiffness (K*LA) would be equivalent to the true LA stiffness if the volume entering the LV was the same as the change in LA volume. However, during flow deceleration, there is rapid flow into the LA from the pulmonary veins; thus, K*LA is not the same as true LA chamber stiffness. Equation 5Up becomes


(12)

Using similar logic as in "Appendix 1," this results in


(13)

To evaluate the error in calculated KLV introduced by assuming that PLA is constant (and K*LA is zero), we evaluated the magnitude of K*LA as ratio of the change in PLA during the period of flow deceleration (from 0 to 0.75 tdec) to the flow out of the LA during this period (-{int}dVLV). K*LA is negative (ie, LA pressure increased despite flow out of the LA). During control, the absolute value of K*LA was less than 0.06 mm Hg/mL. Thus, the assumption of a constant PLA caused less than a 5% overestimation of KLV. In the worst case, during the high-dose phenylephrine infusion when there was the largest change in PLA, the absolute value of K*LA was 0.37 mm Hg/mL, introducing up to a 14% overestimation of KLV.

Received February 16, 1995; revision received April 10, 1995; accepted April 16, 1995.


*    References
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
up arrowAppendix 1
up arrowAppendix 2
*References
 
1. Little WC, Downes TR. Clinical evaluation of left ventricular diastolic performance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 1990;32:273-290. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

2. Thomas JD, Newell JB, Choong CYP, Weyman AE. Physical and physiological determinants of transmitral velocity: numerical analysis. Am J Physiol. 1991;260(Heart Circ Physiol. 23):H1718-H1730.

3. Thomas JD, Choong CYP, Flachskampf FA, Weyman AE. Analysis of the early transmitral doppler velocity curve: effect of primary physiologic changes and compensatory preload adjustment. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1990;16:644-655. [Abstract]

4. Flachskampf FA, Weyman AE, Guerrero JL, Thomas JD. Calculation of atrioventricular compliance from the mitral flow profile: analytic and in vitro study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1992;19:998-1004. [Abstract]

5. Ohno M, Cheng CP, Little WC. Mechanism of altered patterns of left ventricular filling during the development of congestive heart failure. Circulation. 1994;89:2241-2250. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

6. Cheng CP, Freeman GL, Santamore WP, Constantinescu MS, Little WC. Effect of loading conditions, contractile state, and heart rate on early diastolic left ventricular filling in conscious dogs. Circ Res. 1990;66:814-823. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

7. Cheng CP, Noda T, Nozawa T, Little WC. Effect of heart failure on the mechanism of exercise induced augmentation of mitral valve flow. Circ Res. 1993;72:795-806. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

8. Little WC, Badke FR, O'Rourke RA. Effect of right ventricular pressure on the end-diastolic left ventricular pressure-volume relationship before and after chronic right ventricular overload. Circ Res. 1984;54:719-730. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

9. Little WC, O'Rourke RA. Effect of regional ischemia on the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume relationship in chronically instrumented dogs. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1985;5:297-302. [Abstract]

10. Sodums MT, Badke FR, Starling MR, Little WC, O'Rourke RA. Evaluation of left ventricular contractile performance utilizing end-systolic pressure-volume relationships in conscious dogs. Circ Res. 1984;54:731-739. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

11. Park RD, Little WC, O'Rourke RA. Effect of alteration of the left ventricular activation sequence on the left ventricular end-systolic pressure-volume relation in closed-chest dogs. Circ Res. 1986;57:706-717. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

12. Marble AE, McIntyre CM, Hastings JR, Hor CW. A comparison of digital algorithms used in computing the derivative of left ventricular pressure. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 1981;28:524-529. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

13. Courtois M, Kovacs SJ, Ludbrook PA. Transmitral pressure-flow velocity relation: importance of regional pressure gradients in the left ventricle during diastole. Circulation. 1988;78:661-671. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

14. Thomas JD, Weyman AE. Echocardiographic doppler evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function: physics and physiology. Circulation. 1991;84:977-990. [Free Full Text]

15. Keren G, Scherez J, Megidish R, Levitt B, Laniado S. Pulmonary venous flow pattern—its relationship to cardiac dynamics: a pulsed Doppler echocardiographic study. Circulation. 1985;71:1105-1112. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

16. Nishimura RA, Abel MD, Hatle LK, Tajik AJ. Relation of pulmonary vein to mitral flow velocities by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography: effect of different loading conditions. Circulation. 1990;81:1488-1497. [Abstract/Free Full Text]

17. Flachskampf FA, Rodriguez L, Chen C, Guerrero JJ, Weyman AE, Thomas JD. Analysis of mitral inertance: a factor critical for early transmitral filling. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 1993;6:422-432. [Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

18. Edwards WD. Applied anatomy of the heart. In: Giuliani ER, Fuster V, Gersh BJ, McGoon MD, McGoon DC, eds. Cardiology: Fundamentals and Practice. St Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1991:47-110.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
Y. T. Tan, F. Wenzelburger, E. Lee, G. Heatlie, F. Leyva, K. Patel, M. Frenneaux, and J. E. Sanderson
The pathophysiology of heart failure with normal ejection fraction exercise echocardiography reveals complex abnormalities of both systolic and diastolic ventricular function involving torsion, untwist, and longitudinal motion.
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 30, 2009; 54(1): 36 - 46.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll Cardiol ImgHome page
Y. Notomi and J. D. Thomas
Presto Untwisting and Legato Filling
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. Img., June 1, 2009; 2(6): 717 - 719.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
A. Opdahl, E. W. Remme, T. Helle-Valle, E. Lyseggen, T. Vartdal, E. Pettersen, T. Edvardsen, and O. A. Smiseth
Determinants of Left Ventricular Early-Diastolic Lengthening Velocity: Independent Contributions From Left Ventricular Relaxation, Restoring Forces, and Lengthening Load
Circulation, May 19, 2009; 119(19): 2578 - 2586.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EchocardiogrHome page
S. F. Nagueh, C. P. Appleton, T. C. Gillebert, P. N. Marino, J. K. Oh, O. A. Smiseth, A. D. Waggoner, F. A. Flachskampf, P. A. Pellikka, and A. Evangelisa
Recommendations for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function by Echocardiography
Eur J Echocardiogr, March 1, 2009; 10(2): 165 - 193.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HypertensionHome page
B. Lopez, R. Querejeta, A. Gonzalez, J. Beaumont, M. Larman, and J. Diez
Impact of Treatment on Myocardial Lysyl Oxidase Expression and Collagen Cross-Linking in Patients With Heart Failure
Hypertension, February 1, 2009; 53(2): 236 - 242.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
S. Masutani, W. C. Little, H. Hasegawa, H.-J. Cheng, and C.-P. Cheng
Response to Letter Regarding Article, "Restrictive Left Ventricular Filling Pattern Does Not Result From Increased Left Atrial Pressure Alone"
Circulation, September 23, 2008; 118(13): e506 - e506.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
Meta-analysis Research Group in Echocardiography (
Independence of restrictive filling pattern and LV ejection fraction with mortality in heart failure: An individual patient meta-analysis
Eur J Heart Fail, August 1, 2008; 10(8): 786 - 792.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
D. Akkan, J. Kjaergaard, J. E. Moller, C. Hassager, C. Torp-Pedersen, L. Kober, and EchoCardiography and Heart Outcome Study (ECHOS) i
Prognostic importance of a short deceleration time in symptomatic congestive heart failure
Eur J Heart Fail, July 1, 2008; 10(7): 689 - 695.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EchocardiogrHome page
B. Pinamonti, A. Di Lenarda, G. Nucifora, D. Gregori, A. Perkan, and G. Sinagra
Incremental prognostic value of restrictive filling pattern in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a Doppler echocardiographic study
Eur J Echocardiogr, July 1, 2008; 9(4): 466 - 471.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
W. Zhang and S. J. Kovacs
The diastatic pressure-volume relationship is not the same as the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2008; 294(6): H2750 - H2760.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
Meta-Analysis Research Group in Echocardiography (
Independent Prognostic Importance of a Restrictive Left Ventricular Filling Pattern After Myocardial Infarction: An Individual Patient Meta-Analysis: Meta-Analysis Research Group in Echocardiography Acute Myocardial Infarction
Circulation, May 20, 2008; 117(20): 2591 - 2598.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
S. Masutani, W. C. Little, H. Hasegawa, H.-J. Cheng, and C.-P. Cheng
Restrictive Left Ventricular Filling Pattern Does Not Result From Increased Left Atrial Pressure Alone
Circulation, March 25, 2008; 117(12): 1550 - 1554.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
W. A. Jaber, C. S. P. Lam, D. M. Meyer, and M. M. Redfield
Revisiting methods for assessing and comparing left ventricular diastolic stiffness: impact of relaxation, external forces, hypertrophy, and comparators
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2007; 293(5): H2738 - H2746.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
L. Hatle
How to diagnose diastolic heart failure a consensus statement
Eur. Heart J., October 2, 2007; 28(20): 2421 - 2423.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
M. Kasner, D. Westermann, P. Steendijk, R. Gaub, U. Wilkenshoff, K. Weitmann, W. Hoffmann, W. Poller, H.-P. Schultheiss, M. Pauschinger, et al.
Utility of Doppler Echocardiography and Tissue Doppler Imaging in the Estimation of Diastolic Function in Heart Failure With Normal Ejection Fraction: A Comparative Doppler-Conductance Catheterization Study
Circulation, August 7, 2007; 116(6): 637 - 647.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
L. Shmuylovich and S. J. Kovacs
E-wave deceleration time may not provide an accurate determination of LV chamber stiffness if LV relaxation/viscoelasticity is unknown
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2007; 292(6): H2712 - H2720.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
J. A. Flewitt, T. N. Hobson, J. Wang Jr., C. R. Johnston, N. G. Shrive, I. Belenkie, K. H. Parker, and J. V. Tyberg
Wave intensity analysis of left ventricular filling: application of windkessel theory
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, June 1, 2007; 292(6): H2817 - H2823.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
M. M. Riordan and S. J. Kovacs
Stiffness- and relaxation-based quantitation of radial left ventricular oscillations: elucidation of regional diastolic function mechanisms
J Appl Physiol, May 1, 2007; 102(5): 1862 - 1870.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
Y. Wu and S. J. Kovacs
Frequency-based analysis of the early rapid filling pressure-flow relation elucidates diastolic efficiency mechanisms
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, December 1, 2006; 291(6): H2942 - H2949.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
J. D. Thomas and Z. B. Popovic
Assessment of Left Ventricular Function by Cardiac Ultrasound
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 21, 2006; 48(10): 2012 - 2025.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
C. S. Chung, A. Strunc, R. Oliver, and S. J. Kovacs
Diastolic ventricular-vascular stiffness and relaxation relation: elucidation of coupling via pressure phase plane-derived indexes
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2006; 291(5): H2415 - H2423.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. Klotz, I. Hay, M. L. Dickstein, G.-H. Yi, J. Wang, M. S. Maurer, D. A. Kass, and D. Burkhoff
Single-beat estimation of end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship: a novel method with potential for noninvasive application
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 1, 2006; 291(1): H403 - H412.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
J. K. Oh, L. Hatle, A. J. Tajik, and W. C. Little
Diastolic Heart Failure Can Be Diagnosed by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional and Doppler Echocardiography
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., February 7, 2006; 47(3): 500 - 506.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
C. S. Chung, D. M. Ajo, and S. J. Kovacs
Isovolumic pressure-to-early rapid filling decay rate relation: model-based derivation and validation via simultaneous catheterization echocardiography
J Appl Physiol, February 1, 2006; 100(2): 528 - 534.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. O. Hunderi, C. R. Thompson, and O. A. Smiseth
Deceleration time of systolic pulmonary venous flow: a new clinical marker of left atrial pressure and compliance
J Appl Physiol, February 1, 2006; 100(2): 685 - 689.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Anesth. Analg.Home page
S. Rex, S. Brose, S. Metzelder, L. de Rossi, S. Schroth, R. Autschbach, R. Rossaint, and W. Buhre
Normothermic Beating Heart Surgery with Assistance of Miniaturized Bypass Systems: The Effects on Intraoperative Hemodynamics and Inflammatory Response
Anesth. Analg., February 1, 2006; 102(2): 352 - 362.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
M. M. Riordan and S. J. Kovacs
Quantitation of mitral annular oscillations and longitudinal "ringing" of the left ventricle: a new window into longitudinal diastolic function
J Appl Physiol, January 1, 2006; 100(1): 112 - 119.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
W. C. Little
Diastolic Dysfunction Beyond Distensibility: Adverse Effects of Ventricular Dilatation
Circulation, November 8, 2005; 112(19): 2888 - 2890.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. Rovner, N. L. Greenberg, J. D. Thomas, and M. J. Garcia
Relationship of diastolic intraventricular pressure gradients and aerobic capacity in patients with diastolic heart failure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2005; 289(5): H2081 - H2088.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
M. Slama, J. Ahn, M. Peltier, J. Maizel, D. Chemla, J. Varagic, D. Susic, C. Tribouilloy, and E. D. Frohlich
Validation of echocardiographic and Doppler indexes of left ventricular relaxation in adult hypertensive and normotensive rats
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2005; 289(3): H1131 - H1136.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
K. Uemura, T. Kawada, A. Kamiya, T. Aiba, I. Hidaka, K. Sunagawa, and M. Sugimachi
Prediction of circulatory equilibrium in response to changes in stressed blood volume
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, July 1, 2005; 289(1): H301 - H307.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
P. A. Grayburn, C. P. Appleton, A. N. DeMaria, B. Greenberg, B. Lowes, J. Oh, J. F. Plehn, P. Rahko, M. St. John Sutton, E. J. Eichhorn, et al.
Echocardiographic predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced heart failure: The Beta-blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial (BEST)
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., April 5, 2005; 45(7): 1064 - 1071.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
H. Tachibana, H.-J. Cheng, T. Ukai, A. Igawa, Z.-S. Zhang, W. C. Little, and C.-P. Cheng
Levosimendan improves LV systolic and diastolic performance at rest and during exercise after heart failure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, February 1, 2005; 288(2): H914 - H922.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
K. M. Modesto, A. Dispenzieri, S. A. Cauduro, M. Lacy, B. K. Khandheria, P. A. Pellikka, M. Belohlavek, J. B. Seward, R. Kyle, A. J. Tajik, et al.
Left atrial myopathy in cardiac amyloidosis: implications of novel echocardiographic techniques
Eur. Heart J., January 2, 2005; 26(2): 173 - 179.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
I. H. Styliadis, N. I. Gouzoumas, H. I. Karvounis, C. E. Papadopoulos, G. K. Efthimiadis, M. Karamouzis, G. E. Parharidis, and G. E. Louridas
Effects of variation of atrioventricular interval on left ventricular diastolic filling dynamics and atrial natriuretic peptide levels in patients with DDD pacing for complete heart block
Europace, January 1, 2005; 7(6): 576 - 583.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
M. Afanasyeva, D. Georgakopoulos, D. Fairweather, P. Caturegli, D. A. Kass, and N. R. Rose
Novel Model of Constrictive Pericarditis Associated With Autoimmune Heart Disease in Interferon-{gamma}-Knockout Mice
Circulation, November 2, 2004; 110(18): 2910 - 2917.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am J Crit CareHome page
S. K. Hamlin, P. S. Villars, J. T. Kanusky, and A. D. Shaw
Role of Diastole in Left Ventricular Function, II: Diagnosis and Treatment
Am. J. Crit. Care., November 1, 2004; 13(6): 453 - 466.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. W. Bowman, P. A. Frihauf, and S. J. Kovacs
Time-varying effective mitral valve area: prediction and validation using cardiac MRI and Doppler echocardiography in normal subjects
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, October 1, 2004; 287(4): H1650 - H1657.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
P. Marino, G. Faggian, P. Bertolini, A. Mazzucco, and W. C. Little
Early mitral deceleration and left atrial stiffness
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, September 1, 2004; 287(3): H1172 - H1178.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
B. Lopez, R. Querejeta, A. Gonzalez, E. Sanchez, M. Larman, and J. Diez
Effects of loop diuretics on myocardial fibrosis and collagen type I turnover in chronic heart failure
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 2, 2004; 43(11): 2028 - 2035.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
A Rossi, M Cicoira, G Golia, L Zanolla, L Franceschini, P Marino, M Graziani, and P Zardini
Amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen is associated with restrictive mitral filling pattern in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a possible link between diastolic dysfunction and prognosis
Heart, June 1, 2004; 90(6): 650 - 654.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
T. Tabata and A. L. Klein
Reply
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 3, 2004; 43(5): 926 - 926.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
W. C. Little
Reply
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., March 3, 2004; 43(5): 928 - 928.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
M. Slama, J. Ahn, J. Varagic, D. Susic, and E. D. Frohlich
Long-term left ventricular echocardiographic follow-up of SHR and WKY rats: effects of hypertension and age
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, January 1, 2004; 286(1): H181 - H185.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J EchocardiogrHome page
N. H. Andersen, S. H. Poulsen, K. Helleberg, P. Ivarsen, S. T. Knudsen, and C. E. Mogensen
Impact of Essential Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus on Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Performance
Eur J Echocardiogr, December 1, 2003; 4(4): 306 - 312.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
A. Rovner, R. Smith, N. L. Greenberg, E. M. Tuzcu, N. Smedira, H. M. Lever, J. D. Thomas, and M. J. Garcia
Improvement in diastolic intraventricular pressure gradients in patients with HOCM after ethanol septal reduction
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, December 1, 2003; 285(6): H2492 - H2499.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
I. Loke, I. B. Squire, J. E. Davies, and L. L. Ng
Reference ranges for natriuretic peptides for diagnostic use are dependent on age, gender and heart rate
Eur J Heart Fail, October 1, 2003; 5(5): 599 - 606.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone SystemHome page
N. H Andersen, S. T Knudsen, P. L Poulsen, S. H Poulsen, K. Helleberg, H. Eiskjaer, K. W Hansen, T. Bek, and C. E Mogensen
Dual blockade with candesartan cilexetil and lisinopril in hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus: rationale and design
Journal of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, June 1, 2003; 4(2): 96 - 99.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
H. Hasegawa, W. C. Little, M. Ohno, S. Brucks, A. Morimoto, H.-J. Cheng, and C.-P. Cheng
Diastolic mitral annular velocityduring the development of heart failure
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., May 7, 2003; 41(9): 1590 - 1597.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur J Heart FailHome page
J. W.H. Fung, S. K.W. Chan, L. Y.C. Yeung, and J. E. Sanderson
Is beta-blockade useful in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation? An analysis of data from two previously completed prospective trials
Eur J Heart Fail, August 1, 2002; 4(4): 489 - 494.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
J. Diez, R. Querejeta, B. Lopez, A. Gonzalez, M. Larman, and J. L. Martinez Ubago
Losartan-Dependent Regression of Myocardial Fibrosis Is Associated With Reduction of Left Ventricular Chamber Stiffness in Hypertensive Patients
Circulation, May 28, 2002; 105(21): 2512 - 2517.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
E. Lubien, A. DeMaria, P. Krishnaswamy, P. Clopton, J. Koon, R. Kazanegra, N. Gardetto, E. Wanner, and A. S. Maisel
Utility of B-Natriuretic Peptide in Detecting Diastolic Dysfunction: Comparison With Doppler Velocity Recordings
Circulation, February 5, 2002; 105(5): 595 - 601.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
S. Capomolla, G. Pinna, O. Febo, A. Caporotondi, G. Guazzotti, M. T. La Rovere, M. Gnemmi, A. Mortara, R. Maestri, and F. Cobelli
Echo-Doppler mitral flow monitoring: an operative tool to evaluate day-to-day tolerance to and effectiveness of beta-adrenergic blocking agent therapy in patients with chronic heart failure
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 15, 2001; 38(6): 1675 - 1684.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J. Appl. Physiol.Home page
J. B. Lisauskas, J. Singh, A. W. Bowman, and S. J. Kovacs
Chamber properties from transmitral flow: prediction of average and passive left ventricular diastolic stiffness
J Appl Physiol, July 1, 2001; 91(1): 154 - 162.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
T. D. Kinnaird, C. R. Thompson, and B. I. Munt
The deceleration time of pulmonary venous diastolic flow is more accurate than the pulmonary artery occlusion pressure in predicting left atrial pressure
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 15, 2001; 37(8): 2025 - 2030.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
P Otasevic, A N Neskovic, Z Popovic, A Vlahovic, D Bojic, M Bojic, and A D Popovic
Short early filling deceleration time on day 1 after acute myocardial infarction is associated with short and long term left ventricular remodelling
Heart, May 1, 2001; 85(5): 527 - 532.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
CirculationHome page
Y. Yong, S. F. Nagueh, S. Shimoni, K. Shan, Z.-X. He, M. J. Reardon, G. V. Letsou, J. F. Howell, M. S. Verani, M. A. Quinones, et al.
Deceleration Time in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy : Relation to Echocardiographic and Scintigraphic Indices of Myocardial Viability and Functional Recovery After Revascularization
Circulation, March 6, 2001; 103(9): 1232 - 1237.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. Nakatani, M. S. Firstenberg, N. L. Greenberg, P. M. Vandervoort, N. G. Smedira, P. M. McCarthy, and J. D. Thomas
Mitral inertance in humans: critical factor in Doppler estimation of transvalvular pressure gradients
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, March 1, 2001; 280(3): H1340 - H1345.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
M. J. Garcia, M. S. Firstenberg, N. L. Greenberg, N. Smedira, L. Rodriguez, D. Prior, and J. D. Thomas
Estimation of left ventricular operating stiffness from Doppler early filling deceleration time in humans
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, February 1, 2001; 280(2): H554 - H561.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NEJMHome page
S. K. Gandhi, J. C. Powers, A.-M. Nomeir, K. Fowle, D. W. Kitzman, K. M. Rankin, and W. C. Little
The Pathogenesis of Acute Pulmonary Edema Associated with Hypertension
N. Engl. J. Med., January 4, 2001; 344(1): 17 - 22.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
M. S. Firstenberg, P. M. Vandervoort, N. L. Greenberg, N. G. Smedira, P. M. McCarthy, M. J. Garcia, and J. D. Thomas
Noninvasive estimation of transmitral pressure drop across the normal mitral valve in humans: importance of convective and inertial forces during left ventricular filling
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 15, 2000; 36(6): 1942 - 1949.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
J. E. Sanderson, S. K. W. Chan, G. Yip, L. Y. C. Yeung, K. W. Chan, K. Raymond, and K. S. Woo
Beta-blockade in heart failure: A comparison of carvedilol with metoprolol
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 1, 1999; 34(5): 1522 - 1528.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
A. Yamamuro, K. Yoshida, T. Hozumi, T. Akasaka, T. Takagi, S. Kaji, T. Kawamoto, and J. Yoshikawa
Noninvasive evaluation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with acute myocardial infarction by deceleration time of pulmonary venous flow velocity in diastole
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., July 1, 1999; 34(1): 90 - 94.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
G. Cerisano, L. Bolognese, N. Carrabba, P. Buonamici, G. M. Santoro, D. Antoniucci, A. Santini, G. Moschi, and P. F. Fazzini
Doppler-Derived Mitral Deceleration Time : An Early Strong Predictor of Left Ventricular Remodeling After Reperfused Anterior Acute Myocardial Infarction
Circulation, January 19, 1999; 99(2): 230 - 236.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
M. J. Garcia, J. D. Thomas, and A. L. Klein
New Doppler echocardiographic applications for the study of diastolic function
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., October 1, 1998; 32(4): 865 - 875.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.Home page
S. B. Solomon, S. D. Nikolic, S. A. Glantz, and E. L. Yellin
Left ventricular diastolic function of remodeled myocardium in dogs with pacing-induced heart failure
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, March 1, 1998; 274(3): H945 - H954.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Cardiovasc ResHome page
P. P de Tombe
Altered contractile function in heart failure
Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 1998; 37(2): 367 - 380.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
B. Andersson, K. Caidahl, A. di Lenarda, S. E. Warren, F. Goss, A. Waldenstrom, S. Persson, I. Wallentin, A. Hjalmarson, and F. Waagstein
Changes in Early and Late Diastolic Filling Patterns Induced by Long-term Adrenergic ß-Blockade in Patients With Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Circulation, August 15, 1996; 94(4): 673 - 682.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
J. Biol. Chem.Home page
B. C. Knollmann, S. A. Blatt, K. Horton, F. de Freitas, T. Miller, M. Bell, P. R. Housmans, N. J. Weissman, M. Morad, and J. D. Potter
Inotropic Stimulation Induces Cardiac Dysfunction in Transgenic Mice Expressing a Troponin T (I79N) Mutation Linked to Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
J. Biol. Chem., March 23, 2001; 276(13): 10039 - 10048.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
K. Wachtell, J. N. Bella, J. Rokkedal, V. Palmieri, V. Papademetriou, B. Dahlof, T. Aalto, E. Gerdts, and R. B. Devereux
Change in Diastolic Left Ventricular Filling After One Year of Antihypertensive Treatment: The Losartan Intervention For Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension (LIFE) Study
Circulation, March 5, 2002; 105(9): 1071 - 1076.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Little, W. C.
Right arrow Articles by Cheng, C.-P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Little, W. C.
Right arrow Articles by Cheng, C.-P.