Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Measuring Left Ventricular Pressure in Late Embryonic and Neonatal Mice
Published on: February 23, 2012
The Relationship between blood pressure parameters and left ventricular output in neonates
Ashraf Kharrat1, Daniel Ibarra Rios2, Dany E Weisz1,3
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Objective:
To evaluate the relationship between systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean (MBP) blood pressures and pulse pressure (PP), and left ventricular output (LVO), a surrogate of systemic blood flow.
Study Design:
This retrospective study included neonates who underwent targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) in 3-tertiary NICUs over 2 years. Associations between LVO and BP components were investigated. Analysis was adjusted for relevant covariates.
Result:
1060 studies from 485 neonates were included, with a mean GA of 28.4 ± 4.6 weeks and birth weight of 1234 ± 840 grams. LVO was associated positively with SBP and PP, and negatively with GA. PP demonstrated the highest predictive value for identifying infants with LVO < 150 ml/kg/min (area under the curve 0.75 [95% CI 0.68, 0.82]). MBP and DBP demonstrated no correlation with LVO.
Conclusion:
BP parameters correlate poorly with LVO, irrespective of GA and underlying etiology. Narrow PP may be more reflective of low LVO than low SBP.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the...
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...

