Hemodynamic studies on hypertrophied hearts in man

A total of 31 patients were studied during cardiac catheterization. Hemodynamics in 9 cases with cardiac hypertrophy secondary to chronic volume load (MI, AI) and in 9 cases with cardiomyopathy were compared to those in 5 normal cases, 5 cases with MS and 5 cases with near normal left ventricle. A hypertrophied left ventricle had an enlarged cavity, an increased wall mass and an elevated systolic midwall tension. Peak systolic stress in left ventricular wall was normal in compensated patients with volume load, but below normal in compensated patients with cardiomyopathy. Peak systolic stress was elevated in decompensated patients either with regurgitation or with cardiomyopathy. The significance of this stress difference between volume over load and cardiomyopathy was discussed. Depressed pump function was observed in hypertrophied left ventricle especially in cardiomyopathy.