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Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Anatomy and Function in Adult Rats
Published on: December 13, 2019
Maternal left ventricular diastolic and systolic long-axis function during normal pregnancy
Jacqueline E A K Bamfo1, Nikos A Kametas, Kypros H Nicolaides
1Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, Golden Jubilee Wing, London SE5 9RS, UK. jbamfo1@hotmail.com
Summary
This study provides normal ranges for left ventricular (LV) function during pregnancy using Doppler tissue imaging. Maternal characteristics like age and ethnicity influence these measurements of systolic and diastolic function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Physiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on left ventricular (LV) diastolic and long-axis systolic function during normal pregnancy.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for maternal and fetal health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate LV function throughout normal pregnancy.
- To investigate the impact of maternal factors on cardiac function during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal Doppler echocardiography and DTI studies of the mitral annulus in 63 pregnant women.
- Measurements taken at multiple gestational points and postpartum.
Main Results:
- Increased cardiac output, stroke volume, and heart rate; decreased vascular resistance during pregnancy.
- Changes observed in transmitral velocities (E, A) and DTI parameters (E', A', S').
- Maternal age and ethnicity were found to influence specific cardiac function measurements.
Conclusions:
- Established normal ranges for Doppler tissue imaging measurements in pregnancy.
- Maternal characteristics significantly affect systolic and diastolic function parameters.
