LEFT VENTRICULAR MECHANICS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTOLIC HEART FAILURE

Abstract

The end systolic stress–strain relationship (mean end‐systolic fiber stress (MESFS) and the logarithm ln(h0/h) [h0 = wall thickness extrapolated to a “cero” ventricular volume; h = end‐systolic wall thickness]), evaluates the mechanics of the left ventricle (LV) independently of its mass and geometry. Objectives: To compare the LV mechanics in patients without and with compensated systolic heart failure (HF) using the MESFS–ln(h0/h) relationship. Methods: We perform echo Doppler studies in 37 patients with compensated HF (11 women) 65±15 years old (18–85) and 162 patients without HF (102 women) 50±16 years old (18–83). MESFS and ln(h0/h) were calculated and compared between the groups, and the resulting curve was plotted. Results. (o) without HF; with HF. Conclusion: Patients with compensated HF have higher‐end systolic MESFS and ln(h0/h). Consequently, they show a rightward shift in the end‐systolic MESFS‐ ln(h0/h) curve.