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[Abnormal left ventricular flow during diastole in hypertrophic heart disease]

K Iuchi1, H Kiyokawa, T Ishikawa

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Prefectural Hospital.

Journal of Cardiology
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Isovolumic relaxation flow velocity (IRFV) in the left ventricle correlates with rapid filling velocity changes. Prominent IRFV is linked to hypertrophic heart disease, suggesting regional hyperdynamic states.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Left ventricular diastolic function is crucial for cardiac health.
  • Isovolumic relaxation flow velocity (IRFV) is a novel parameter for assessing diastolic function.
  • Hypertrophic heart disease (HHD) can significantly alter ventricular dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the characteristics of isovolumic relaxation flow velocity (IRFV) in the mid-portion of the left ventricle.
  • To assess the correlation between IRFV and left ventricular filling velocities during rest and exercise.
  • To explore the association between prominent IRFV and hypertrophic heart disease.

Main Methods:

  • Doppler echocardiography was performed at rest on 20 healthy subjects and 18 with HHD.
  • Exercise Doppler echocardiography was conducted on 10 healthy subjects to assess hyperdynamic states.
  • Left ventricular filling velocities were measured at the mitral valve and mid-ventricle, analyzing rapid filling (%R) and atrial contraction (%A) phases.

Main Results:

  • A significant correlation was found between IRFV and the acceleration of rapid filling velocity (%R) (r = 0.75, p < 0.001).
  • No correlation was observed between IRFV and the atrial contraction phase (%A).
  • Prominent IRFV (≥30 cm/sec) was detected in 13 subjects, predominantly (10/13) those with HHD. IRFV, %R, and %A did not increase during exercise.

Conclusions:

  • Prominent IRFV is associated with accelerated mid-ventricular rapid filling velocity.
  • This phenomenon may indicate regional and asynchronous hyperdynamic states characteristic of hypertrophic heart disease.
  • IRFV may serve as a valuable indicator in the assessment of diastolic dysfunction in HHD.

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