Left ventricular strain and strain rate: Characterization of the effect of load in human subjects

Abstract

Aims: Left ventricular (LV) strain and strain rate have been proposed as novel indices of systolic function; however, there are limited data about the effect of acute changes on these parameters. Methods and Results: Simultaneous Millar micromanometer LV pressure and echocardiographic assessment were performed on 18 patients. Loading was altered sequentially by the administration of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and saline fluid loading. Echocardiographic speckle tracking imaging was used to quantify the peak systolic strain (S) and peak systolic strain rate (SR S) and dp/dt max was recorded from the micromanometer data. GTN administration decreased preload (LV end diastolic pressure [LVEDP]: 15..