Augmentation of Left Ventricular Torsion with Exercise is Attenuated with Age

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular torsion, resulting from the rotation of the base and apex of the ventricle in opposite directions, may be an important component of normal cardiac function both at rest and with exercise. The effect of exercise on torsion in the general population and the influence of aging on changes in torsion with exercise are not known. METHODS: Analysis of torsion, positive and negative torsion velocities, and negative torsion acceleration was performed using speckle tracking imaging on 33 stress echocardiograms using supine bicycle stress. RESULTS: Resting and postexercise torsion could be assessed in 14 patients (42%). A total of 19 patients who were significantly older an..