A new integrated approach to cardiac mechanics: reference values for normal left ventricle

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physiology

Background:

• The relationship between left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation and hemodynamic forces is not well understood.
• Normative values for hemodynamic forces and the impact of demographic/technical factors are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between LV myocardial deformation and hemodynamic forces in a large cohort of healthy individuals.
• To establish normative hemodynamic force values and explore demographic influences.

Main Methods:

• 176 healthy volunteers (age 16-82) underwent echo-Doppler examination.
• New software measured 2D global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (GCS), and hemodynamic forces from apical views.
• Data analyzed for associations with age and sex.

Main Results:

• Males had higher LV mass index and volumes than females.
• Endocardial circumferential strain (GCS) was higher in women.
• LV longitudinal force, systolic longitudinal force, and LV impulse were significantly higher in men.
• These force parameters showed a statistically significant decline with age.

Conclusions:

• This integrated approach provides normative values for myocardial deformation and hemodynamic forces, stratified by age and sex.
• It offers a potential method to distinguish normal cardiac function from pathology.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for cardiovascular health assessment.