Late systolic pressure augmentation: role of left ventricular outflow patterns

Late systolic augmentation of the ascending aortic pressure waveform is believed to be caused by particular impedance patterns but also could be caused by particular left ventricular outflow patterns. Using a linear mathematical model of the entire human arterial tree, we derived realistic impedance patterns by altering 1) Young's modulus of the arterial wall of the individual branches, 2) peripheral reflection coefficients, and 3) distal compliances at the terminations. These calculated impedance patterns were then coupled to realistic left ventricular outflow patterns determined by unique 1) end-diastolic and end-systolic pressure-volume relationships, 2) preload-recruitable stroke work relationships, and 3) shortening paths simulated by altered aortic flow contours. As determined by the ratio of the individual parameter coefficient of determination (r(2)) to the overall model r(2), late systolic pressure augmentation was more strongly determined by left ventricular outflow patterns than by arterial impedance parameters (r(2) ratio: 53% vs. 33%). Thus left ventricular outflow patterns are at least as important as impedance parameters in determining late systolic pressure augmentation in this model.