The load independence of the end-systolic pressure-length relationship of the heart

Date
1989
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
The end-systolic pressure-volume relationship is the state of the art in the measurement of myocardial contractility. This index is load-independent and relatively independent of heart rate. In this study the load-independent character of the end-systolic pressure-length (ESPL) relationship was evaluated in dogs under general anaesthesia. The result indicated that the ESPL is pre- and afterload-independent, since the comparative values of ESPL from afterloaded and reduced preload contractions did not differ significantly (N = 75; P = 0.5993). The application of the ESPL relationship as a means of describing the function of the heart as a muscle as well as a pump is discussed.
Description
CITATION: Coetzee, A. R., Fourie, P. R. & Badenhorst, E. 1989. The load independence of the end-systolic pressure-length relationship of the heart. South African Medical Journal, 76:191-194.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Anesthesia
Citation