Relationship between the left ventricular elastance and the effective arterial elastance in AMI patients after...

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of thrombolysis on the relationship between the left ventricular (LV) maximum elastance (Emax) and effective arterial elastance (Eart) in 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). LV pressures and volumes of the patients were measured with Millar and multi-electrode volume conductance catheters during catheterization examination, respectively, at the first week and 3 months after the thrombolytic treatment. Emax was represented by the slope of the LV end-systolic pressure-volume relation, and Eart by the slope of the arterial end-systolic pressure-stroke volume relation. The results showed a linear Emax to Eart relation (r = 0.59) at the 1st week, but not 3 months (r =0.20), in those post-AMI patients. Moreover, the Emax was found to be linearly proportional to the Emax/Eart ratio at both the 1st week (r = 0.88) and 3 months (r = 0.85) after thrombolytic therapy. In summary, a 'stunt' hearts in the initial period after thrombolytic intervention reveals a linear relationship between the ventricular contractility and afterload, suggesting that the coupling of the left ventricle and arterial vasculature seems to be maintained.