Functional Characteristics of the Left Ventricle in Heart Disease

  1. HAROLD T. DODGE, M.D., F.A.C.P.
  1. Requests for reprints should be addressed to Harold T. Dodge, M.D., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Medical Center,
    Birmingham, Ala. 35233
    .

SUMMARY

Angiocardiographic methods for determining left ventricular volume, volume changes, and mass have been applied to further define the functional characteristics of the left ventricle in heart disease. These observations combined with measurement of left ventricular pressure have made it possible to determine the pressure-volume characteristics of the left ventricle, pressure-volume work, power, and wall forces. Approximately two thirds of the end-diastolic volume is ejected from the normal left ventricle and from the ventricle functioning under volume or pressure overloads with chronic heart disease. Pressure and volume overloads are associated with an increased ventricular mass that is proportionate to stroke work. Ventricular dilation in chronic heart disease is associated with an increased ventricular mass. The left ventricle with myocardial disease has an enlarged end-diastolic volume, reduced systolic ejection fraction, and a disproportionate increase of left ventricular weight relative to stroke work.

Article and Author Information

  • From the Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Medical Center, Birmingham, Ala.

  • This work was supported in part by program project grant HE 11310, U. S. Public Health Service, Washington, D. C.

    • Received June 26, 1968.
    • Accepted August 7, 1968.
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  1. Ann Intern Med November 1, 1968 vol. 69 no. 5 941-948
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