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Asynchronous (segmental early) relaxation of the left ventricle
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|April 1, 1985
Summary
Segmental early relaxation, a type of left ventricular asynchrony, can occur in healthy and diseased hearts. This phenomenon, where a heart segment lengthens before mitral valve opening, may be caused by altered heart loading conditions or regional ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Segmental early relaxation is a manifestation of left ventricular asynchrony.
- This phenomenon involves myocardial segment lengthening prior to mitral valve opening.
- It can be observed in both healthy and diseased cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define segmental early relaxation and its occurrence in various cardiac states.
- To explore the potential causes of asynchronous left ventricular relaxation.
- To investigate the role of altered loading conditions and functional inhomogeneities.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental data on left ventricular mechanics.
- Analysis of myocardial segment behavior during the cardiac cycle.
- Correlation of relaxation patterns with cardiac health and disease states.
Main Results:
- Segmental early relaxation can occur in normal and diseased ventricles.
- In diseased ventricles, it may affect normally contracting or abnormally contracting segments.
- Experimental data suggest altered loading or inhomogeneities can induce this asynchrony.
Conclusions:
- Segmental early relaxation is a recognized form of left ventricular asynchrony.
- Altered loading conditions and functional inhomogeneities are implicated in its development.
- Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for diagnosing and managing cardiac dysfunction.