Introduction to Cardiac Mechanics Understanding how the heart functions goes beyond just knowing that it pumps blood. At its core, cardiac mechanics provides a detailed explanation of how the heart generates pressure, moves volumes of blood, and responds to physiological demands. Among the many tools used to evaluate cardiac function, the PV loop and Frank … Read more
Introduction to Myocardial Work and Cardiac Reserve The heart is an incredible muscle—relentlessly beating to pump blood and meet the body’s demands. But what happens when those demands increase? Whether you’re exercising, climbing stairs, or under physiological stress, your heart must rise to the occasion. This capacity is known as cardiac reserve, and it’s closely … Read more
Introduction Pressure-volume (PV) loops provide a dynamic representation of cardiac performance, offering valuable insights into the pathophysiology of various heart diseases. PV Loops in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM) are particularly distinctive, revealing the hallmark diastolic dysfunction that defines the disease. By comparing these PV loops with those seen in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), … Read more
Introduction Pressure-volume (PV) loops provide a crucial insight into cardiac function by illustrating the relationship between ventricular pressure and volume throughout the cardiac cycle. In Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), these loops undergo distinct alterations, reflecting the disease’s hallmark characteristics: increased end-diastolic volumes, impaired systolic function, and reliance on preload augmentation to sustain cardiac output. This article … Read more
Introduction Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex myocardial disorder characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy, often leading to diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Understanding the intricate hemodynamics of HCM is crucial for effective patient management. PV loops in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Pressure-Volume loops) serve as a powerful tool to analyze cardiac mechanics, offering valuable … Read more
Introduction Pressure-volume (PV) loops are essential tools in cardiovascular physiology, offering valuable insights into cardiac function and hemodynamic status. In cardiogenic shock, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, PV loops provide a critical window into the mechanics of ventricular performance. A key phenomenon observed in this state is impaired preload responsiveness due to … Read more
Introduction The left atrial (LA) pressure-volume (PV) loop is a crucial tool for understanding the mechanical function of the left atrial chamber in the heart. With left atrial enlargement (LAE), significant changes occur in the compliance and function of the left atrial, affecting cardiovascular performance. This article explores how PV loops change due to left … Read more
Introduction Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (CCTGA) is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance. The right ventricle (RV) assumes systemic circulation, which can lead to progressive dysfunction over time. Surgical intervention may be required, but assessing preoperative risk remains a challenge. Pressure-volume (PV loops) analysis has emerged as … Read more
Introduction Advancements in cardiac monitoring technology have transformed how clinicians assess heart function in real-time, particularly in intraoperative and critical care settings. Two pivotal innovations—Baan’s Equation and PV Loop catheter technologies—offer a synergistic approach to improving hemodynamic evaluation. Baan’s Equation provides a mathematical model to estimate ventricular volume, while the PV Loop catheter enables real-time … Read more
Introduction The fundamentals of PV Loops and Potential Energy are essential for understanding cardiac mechanics and energy transfer within the heart. The PV loop (pressure-volume loop) graphically represents the changes in pressure and volume throughout the cardiac cycle, allowing researchers and clinicians to assess heart function dynamically. By analyzing the area enclosed within the PV … Read more