Two-slope ascending arm of the early trans-mitral flow velocity Doppler wave in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

It is hypothesized that in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) the EWAA displays 2 slopes. A first steeper slope followed by a second less steep slope reaching peak E wave. The different slopes represent a change in the composition of driving forces propelling blood from LA to LV. It is hypothesized that the first steeper slope of EWAA represents a set of driving force including a force termed: diastolic suction, whereas in the second slope diastolic suction has already dissipated. This 2-slope phenomenon is not expected in healthy subjects because the assumed underlying mechanism is not operative.