Women with normal LV function exhibit higher LV end-systolic and arterial elastance than men, suggesting gender differences in ventriculo-vascular coupling that may contribute to higher rates of cardiac failure following infarction or surgery.
Objectives: While women have lower rates of atherosclerotic disease than men, they are more likely to suffer cardiac failure following infarction or cardiac surgery, despite typically having a greater left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. We hypothesised that gender differences in systolic chamber function and ventriculo-vascular coupling may contribute to these clinical findings. Methods: LV chamber function was determined in a cohort of 30 patients (16 women) aged 48-75 years with normal LV function using pressure-volume loops obtained by simultaneous conductance catheter volumetry and micromanometer pressure. End-systolic and end-diastolic pressure volume (ESPVR, EDPVR) and preload recruitable stroke work relations (PRSWR) were derived. Results were analysed according to gender, and the effects of body size and chamber dimensions were examined. Results: The groups were closely matched for age (6066 vs. 6068 years) and co-morbid conditions. Women had higher end-systolic blood pressure ( ml, P50.001). Women had significantly higher LV end-systolic 21 21 elastance (Ees, 2.6560.10 vs. 1.9660.09 mmHg ml , P,0.002), arterial elastance (2.4161.13 vs. 1.5460.55 mmHg ml , P50.01) 21
C. Hayward (Thu,) studied this question.