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Normal values of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function derived from signal-averaged acoustic
Kirk T Spencer1, Victor Mor-Avi, Jim Kirkpatrick
1Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago, Medical Center, Illinois 60637, USA. kspencer@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Summary
Automated acoustic quantification accurately measures left ventricular (LV) function. Aging significantly impacts diastolic function, with atrial filling contribution nearly tripling in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Physiology
Background:
- Acoustic quantification is a validated method for assessing left ventricular (LV) function.
- Understanding age-related changes in LV function is crucial for clinical diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normal reference values for LV systolic and diastolic function parameters.
- To investigate the impact of aging on LV function using acoustic quantification.
Main Methods:
- Acquired LV acoustic quantification waveforms from 140 healthy individuals (16-78 years) via parasternal short-axis view.
- Analyzed signal-averaged waveforms for systolic and diastolic performance parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in LV systolic function (average fractional area change: 54 +/- 12%) were observed across the studied age range.
- Significant age-related changes in diastolic parameters were identified.
- The contribution of atrial filling to total LV filling increased from 13% in the youngest cohort to 36% in the oldest.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic quantification provides reliable LV function assessment across a wide age range.
- Diastolic function, specifically the role of atrial contraction, undergoes substantial changes with aging.
- This study offers valuable reference data for interpreting LV function in adolescents and adults.