Age-dependent changes in spatial and temporal blood velocity distribution of early left ventricular filling

This study describes early diastolic inflow dynamics based on three-directional magnetic resonance velocity data and investigates age-dependent changes in early diastolic inflow characteristics. We examined 26 young healthy volunteers age 25 (3) years (mean, SD), and 23 healthy older volunteers age 63 (8) years. Three-directional magnetic resonance velocity mapping was performed in a long axis plane through the heart. Transverse velocity profiles were read in five different positions in the early diastolic inflow stream of the left ventricle. The size and timing of the maximum velocities at each level were recorded and the repeatability of the method was tested. Compared with the younger group, the older group was characterized by: 1) lower maximum velocity in all positions, 2) increased deceleration of blood downstream from the mitral leaflet tips, and 3) delayed velocity propagation. The described method was repeatable and enabled detection of the age-dependent differences between groups of normal subjects. In conclusion, the early diastolic inflow pattern changes with age, probably reflecting changes in the diastolic function of the myocardium.