Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Mechanics in Patients with Cardiac Disease and Preserved Ejection Fraction: Impact of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure

In patients with preserved LVEF and cardiac disease, several systolic and diastolic myocardial mechanical parameters significantly correlate with LV filling pressure. These data highlight the notion that patients with preserved LVEF and elevated LV filling pressures have significant abnormalities in systolic function as detected by speckle imaging, findings that may challenge the concept of “isolated diastolic dysfunction.” The extent of systolic and diastolic abnormalities in these patients may shed light on the mechanics of heart failure with preserved LVEF.