Derived Indexes of Ventricular and Myocardial Function

Ventricular dysfunction generally results from a combination of abnormal loading and depression or loss of myocardium. Thus, in the presence of reduced ventricular performance, it is necessary to distinguish the role of myocardial depression from that of abnormal loading. Although ventricular performance at any one time depends on the loading of the ventricle (e.g., preload and afterload) in relation to its absolute mechanical capabilities, ultimate improvement in ventricular performance to be expected from pharmacologic or surgical therapy, as well as the risk involved, depends primarily on the properties of the underlying myocardium.The heart consists of two ventricles or pumps . . .