 |
| Fig.3.3 |
Some of these
indices relate directly to the systolic function of the left ventricle
in patients with normal aortic valves. The better the left ventricular
contraction the more rapid the acceleration, and the higher the
peak velocity. Conversely, the poorer the left ventricular ejection
(as seen in patients with low ejection fractions), the less rapid
the acceleration of blood flow in the aorta and the lower the peak
velocity. These approximate relationships are illustrated in the
idealized graphs in Figure 3.3. Thus, rapid peak acceleration and
high peak velocities characterize optimum ejection fractions.
2004