[Doppler transmitral blood flow--a new method for assessing myocardial ischemia]

A new method for interpretation of Doppler transmitral flow is presented. The peak of the early diastole is divided into two time intervals and the velocity of the rising and falling of this peak is determined. The method was applied in 31 patients with ischemic heart disease proved by coronarography and 30 healthy persons before and after bicycle ergometry [correction of veloergometric] load. Statistically significant changes of the parameters studied were found. These changes were compared with parallel changes in the electrocardiogram (12 standard leads). This led to the conclusion that Doppler transmitral flow is a more sensitive method for the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia than the electrocardiogram.