Echocardiography Methods for assessing systolic function (contractile function) Several echocardiographic measurements are available to assess left ventricular systolic function. These methods elucidate slightly different aspects…

…His, bundle branches (left and right bundle branch), and Purkinje fibers. The conduction system allows for rapid spread of the depolarization to the contractile cells…

…of the left ventricle (Figure 1; refer to Segments of the Left Ventricle). Regional wall motion abnormalities are defined as regional abnormalities in contractile function…

…pressure). Left ventricular volume. Ventricular wall thickness (myocardial thickness). The left ventricle must generate sufficient contractile force to overcome the pressure in the aorta. The…

Echocardiography Structure and contractile function of myocardial fibers The left ventricular wall can be subdivided into several layers. These layers are similar to those seen…

…easily obtained parameters, but fail to provide important insights into left ventricular mechanics. Regional differences in contractile function are of utmost importance, particularly in the…

Echocardiography Cardiomyopathy caused by tachycardia A prolonged tachycardia can cause cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dilation. This type of cardiomyopathy, referred to as tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy…

…in contractile function. Otherwise, the point of measurement may not be representative. Ventricular activation must be normal. For example, in the setting of left bundle…

…volume overload. Unfortunately, adaptation implies that the left ventricle dilates, which induces irreversible cellular and extracellular processes that ultimately lead to heart failure. This initially…

…than changes in contractile function, explains the varying ejection fraction. Ejection fraction and left ventricular volume Ejection fraction is also affected by left ventricular volume…